Reports have confirmed that Silvestre Varela, an FC Porto midfielder since 2009 with 30 goals on 115 appearances, will leave Portugal to contribute to the Premier League, starring for the now-12th place West Bromwich Albion.
Varela moved up from the Sporting CP youth system to the senior squad in 2004, and he then had a spell of loans to Casa Pia, Vitoria Setubal and Recreativo before permanently heading to Estrela Amadora in 2008.
On the international side, Varela has made 26 appearances and netted five goals. For those watching the 2014 World Cup this summer, it was Varela who netted the game-tying goal off of Cristiano Ronaldo’s cross in the dying moments of the U.S.-Portugal match.
“He is a fantastic addition to our squad. He’s got pace and power, gets his fair share of goals and is also a creator of chances,” manager Alan Irvine said, via BBC Sport. “Silvestre is a vastly-experienced player, both with Porto and his national team, and I’m delighted we’ve managed to secure his services.”
