Gelson Dala and Francisco Geraldes move to Rio Ave

Rio Ave have completed the double signing of Sporting’s Francisco Geraldes and Gelson Dala on permanent deals.

The duo sign for Rio Ave as part of the deal that sees Nuno Santos moving in the opposite direction, joining Sporting for 3.5 million euros plus the two additional players.

Dala spent the second half of last season on loan at Rio Ave and had a productive spell, scoring 6 and assisting 3 in 14 league outings.

The versatility of the Angolan international, who has scored 11 goals in 22 games for his country, was on show as he was used both on the wing and through the middle for Rio Ave, who will be delighted to see him join permanently.

Meanwhile, Geraldes is a player that hasn’t lived up to his potential yet, the 25-year old playing 8 games for Sporting last season with another three made in a loan spell to AEK Athens.

Sporting retain 25% of the economic rights of Francisco Geraldes, and 50% of Gelson Dala.