Three Portuguese centrebacks switch club in just 24 hours

It was another busy day in the market for Portuguese footballers yesterday as three high-profile Portuguese centrebacks made a move across the continent - all in the space of just 24 hours.

One move was regarding Reading's Tiago Ilori, who switched an English championship relegation battle for a Portuguese Primeira Liga title-race.

Ilori completed his return to Sporting CP for just 2.5 million euros, a good deal financially for the Lisbon club who are signing a player who, at 25, still has a lot to offer, and whose traits are well-known by those at Sporting.

Another Portuguese centreback to make a switch yesterday was the controversial Ruben Semedo. 

The talented centreback also returned to his home country, joining Rio Ave on loan from Villarreal. 

The Portugal U21 international had been seen as a future Portugal centreback for many years to come, but after a string of high-profile incidents, his stock has fallen considerably.

The third Portuguese defender to make a move yesterday was Ruben Vezo, who switched Valencia for fellow La Liga outfit Levante, joining on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Vezo has struggled for game time at Valencia this season, playing just 195 minutes worth of Spanish top-flight football this campaign.

A move to Levante, who sit 12th in La Liga, could be exactly what Vezo needs to get his career back on track.