Kelechi John: Nigerian defender joins Uniao Santarem on free transfer from Sanjoanense

Nigerian centre-back Kelechi John has joined Portuguese side Uniao Santarem on a free transfer from Sanjoanense.

The 27-year-old defender has signed a deal running until 30 June 2027 after completing his move on 23 July 2026. He arrives as a permanent signing for the Liga 3 club, strengthening their options in the heart of defence.

John, who stands at 1.91m and is right-footed, moves across Portugal’s lower leagues after a short spell with Sanjoanense in the Campeonato de Portugal Serie B, which he joined earlier in 2026 following a period without a club.

The Nigerian has spent much of his career in Portuguese football, having first moved to Rio Ave’s youth system from Elkanemi in 2016. He progressed through Rio Ave’s under-19, B and under-23 sides before earning a switch to Casa Pia in 2020.

His career has also taken him to Australia, where he won the Australian Regular Season Championship with Central Coast Mariners in 2022-23 before returning to Portugal with B SAD later that season. Subsequent moves to Oliveirense and then Portimonense preceded his spell out of contract and eventual signing with Sanjoanense.

John now commits his future to Uniao Santarem for the 2026-27 campaign and beyond, completing a free transfer that keeps him in Portuguese football until at least next summer.