News Focus
- RC Strasbourg Alsace have completed their first signing of the summer transfer window
- The French club will pay Vitória SC approximately €10 million for the young midfielder
- The 20-year-old Portugal Under-21 international made 28 appearances for his club this season
- The move comes as Strasbourg prepare for the possible departure of defender Valentín Barco
RC Strasbourg Alsace have secured the services of Portuguese midfielder Diogo Sousa from Vitória SC. The 20-year-old becomes the French side’s first new arrival ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Rui Borges, who serves as acting vice-president at the Guimarães-based outfit, confirmed the transfer during an interview on Portuguese television channel TVI V+. The deal will see Strasbourg pay around €10 million to buy out the remaining two years of Sousa’s contract.
This figure does not include potential bonus payments, according to reports from French publication L’Équipe. The total cost matches estimates that emerged last month.
Sousa is a product of Vitória’s youth academy. He made his senior debut for Os Conquistadores and quickly established himself as a regular in the first team. The Portugal Under-21 international, who has earned two caps for his country at that level, started 15 of his 28 matches across all competitions this term. He contributed one goal and one assist during that period.
His performances proved vital as Vitória secured comfortable survival in the Primeira Liga. He also played a crucial role in the club’s victory in the League Cup.
The signing strengthens Strasbourg’s midfield options ahead of the new Ligue 1 season. It follows reports that Argentinian defender Valentín Barco is expected to leave the club in the coming weeks.