Manuel Balde: Guinea-Bissau/Portugal goalkeeper joins Trofense on free transfer from Penafiel

Guinea-Bissau and Portugal goalkeeper Manuel Balde has joined Trofense on a free transfer from Penafiel, signing a deal with the Liga 3 side until 30 June 2027.

The 23-year-old, who stands at 1.94m, moves after three years with Penafiel, where he arrived in 2023 on a free from Vizela. Trofense have secured the goalkeeper without paying a fee, despite his current market value being listed at around 400,000.

Born in Albufeira and right-footed, Balde has been recruited to strengthen Trofenses options in goal as they prepare for the new campaign. His switch keeps him in Portuguese football and represents a move down from Liga Portugal 2 to Liga 3, where he will now compete for the number one shirt.

Baldes senior pathway has been entirely within Portugal. After time in Benficas youth system, he moved to Aves at under-19 level in 2019 before signing for Vizela the following year. He progressed through Vizelas youth and senior sides, alternating between the under-23s and first team, before earning his move to Penafiel.

The goalkeeper now links up with Trofense for the 2026-27 season on a permanent basis, with his contract in place through to the summer of 2027.