Source: Sporting CP Open to Héldon Move
- Updated: January 17, 2015
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 Revolution, parceiro MLS do @Sporting_CP, vem a Avalade breve. De olho em Heldon, um produto para a comunidade criola de Boston
— Paulo Teixeira (@epteixeira) January 16, 2015
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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About Brian O'Connell
BWG
January 17, 2015 at 3:03 pm
I’ve been thinking about this a lot. It has to portend something bigger to consider this at what is arguably their deepest position and already most talented. Brian do you think this is a player swap, is someone leaving we don’t know about or perhaps then a trade to fill that backline or forward position? Otherwise it doesn’t seem to make sense.
Brian O'Connell
January 17, 2015 at 10:13 pm
Hey BWG, I haven’t heard anything about a swap, so at the moment at least, it looks like a straight addition (likely a loan). As deep as the midfield is, I still think they could be better on the left. Heldon is left footed – something the Revs’ midfield lacks save for when they push up Tierney – and if he can cross with any consistency, he’d be an upgrade.
Chris B
January 17, 2015 at 3:05 pm
It seems like the Revs are becoming a desirable place to play, which is awesome especially after that Boston Magazine article not too long ago. I think it would be great for both Heldon and the Revs if he comes here. Maybe an agreement could be worked out to also send Fagundez over to Sporting CP. I don’t think it would help him get playing time, but it would keep our midfield from getting too deep and would allow Diego to get the valuable experience to at least train in Europe regularly for a season. It’s just a thought, but I’m probably getting way ahead of myself now!
BWG
January 17, 2015 at 3:12 pm
Funny I was hinting at the same thought! Player swap. I could only see scp being interested in Diego or Rowe
Chris B
January 17, 2015 at 3:35 pm
Haha, great minds think alike! I also believe with Diego now being cap-tied to Uruguay he can go on loan to Sporting CP and he wouldn’t have to worry about U.S. Citizenship stuff as much. I think it would a great opportunity for him or Rowe too, as you said.
G Lopes
January 19, 2015 at 10:38 am
If Sporting CP hadn’t bought Ryan Gauld, a loaning trade for Fagundez would be very likely to happen, but right now SCP has no shortage of young talented attacking midfielders.
ABU
January 17, 2015 at 10:03 pm
Rowe has no business being at Sporting. I can’t imagine him lasting more than a couple of days before they sent him to their B team to train.
It would be a great experience for Diego, I think it would really benefit him. He would not have a place to play there at the moment, but I think he’d be able to hold his own at maintain a place on the Senior roster.