New England Soccer Today

Heldon Headed to La Liga’s Cordoba

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After a series of twists and turns, the Heldon loan saga has finally concluded.

On Wednesday, Sporting CP confirmed with Portuguese publication Abola that the Lisbon-based side has loaned out the Cape Verdean international to La Liga outfit Cordoba for the duration of the 2014-15 season.

The 26-year-old winger was the subject of loan rumors shortly before Revolution general manager Michael Burns and assistant coach Tom Soehn travelled to Lisbon to reportedly meet with Sporting CP officials about possible targets, including Heldon. The Revolution were first apprised of Heldon’s possible availability at the MLS Combine while speaking with an agent who knew of the Sporting CP winger’s situation in Lisbon.

According to a source, Heldon was one of multiple Sporting players the Revolution showed interest in acquiring via loan. The identities of the remaining targets were not disclosed.

Despite the Revolution’s interest, the Leoes were contractually obligated to offer his services first to his former club, Maritimo, per the transfer agreement that sent Heldon from Madeira side to Lisbon in January 2014. However, a source told New England Soccer Today that Maritimo could not afford his salary (200,000 Euros), and thus, was available to the highest bidder – which appeared to be the Spanish side.

Cordoba currently sits 15th on the La Liga table, hovering two points clear of the relegation zone. The club is also carrying two other Portuguese Liga players on loan, Benfica’s Bebe and Porto’s Nabil Ghilas.

The Cape Verde international had only seen action in two Liga matches this season with Nani firmly holding the starting left midfielder’s spot for the Leoes.

He recently saw action with the Blue Sharks during the African Cup of Nations, a tournament in which the winger supplied the side’s only goal before it bowed out in the wake of Monday’s 0-0 draw to Zambia.

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