New England Soccer Today

Source: Sporting CP Open to Héldon Move

Photo credit: Sporting CP

Photo credit: Sporting CP

Members of the Revolution front office will fly to Lisbon next week to meet with Sporting CP officials to further their partnership, and both are open to discussing a move for Leões winger Héldon Ramos, according to a source.

The Revolution initially learned that Héldon could be available for a move to New England earlier this week. The 26-year-old midfielder is among other Sporting CP targets – whose identities were not disclosed – that the Revolution are currently eyeing ahead of the 2015 season.

On Friday, Lisbon-based agent Paulo Teixeira reported that Cape Verdean International was on the Revolution’s radar.

New England Soccer Today has learned that Héldon would be “delighted” to make a move to New England given the region’s dense Cape Verdean community, as well as the opportunity for additional playing time. To date, the winger has only seen action in two Portuguese Liga matches, with his minutes cut short due to Nani’s regular inclusion in the lineup.

Sporting CP acquired Héldon last January for 1.5 million Euros following a successful four-year stint with Portuguese Liga side Marítimo, where he scored 15 goals in 82 games between 2010 and 2013.

At the international level, Héldon’s star has skyrocketed. In 32 caps, he’s scored 11 goals, and steered Cape Verde to an improbable run to its first African Nations Cup appearance in 2012.

Héldon is currently in camp with Cape Verde, who are preparing for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Equatorial Guinea. The Blue Sharks’ first match is set for Sunday when they face Tunisia.

The Sporting CP midfielder is not the first Cape Verdean International targeted by the Revolution. In 2011, the club attempted to sign former Olhanense forward Dady, who ultimately turned down the offer to play in New England.

The Revolution kick off their preseason camp on Thursday at Gillette Stadium.

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