Ian Cathro, Estoril’s coach, has a few empty chairs at his team’s table. The squad needs five more players before it’s complete. They are searching for a new goalkeeper, two strong central defenders, a central midfielder (someone similar to Zanocelo), and a quick winger. There’s good news on the horizon, as some of these new faces might arrive at Amoreira as early as next week.
The most urgent spot to fill right now is the center of the midfield. This area became a problem after Zanocelo left the club. Adding to that, midfielders Xeka and Jandro are both sidelined with injuries. This leaves Cathro with limited choices: only Holsgrove, Pizzi, and Tiago Brito are fully fit. Young Manga Foé from the under-23 team is the only other option available for that key position.
These five open spots are the top priority for the club’s board. However, the team’s roster could change even more. If any current players with existing contracts are transferred to other clubs, Estoril might bring in even more new talent. The goal is clear: build a complete and competitive squad.