Helistano Manga leaves FC Samtredia to become a free agent after short Georgia stint

Guinea-Bissau-born Portuguese midfielder Helistano Manga has left Georgian side FC Samtredia and is now a free agent after reaching the end of his spell with the Erovnuli Liga 2 club.

The 27-year-old defensive midfielder, who stands at 1.84m and plays predominantly with his right foot, departs Samtredia having joined them earlier in 2026 on a free transfer following a previous period without a club. His contract has now expired, making him available to sign elsewhere.

Manga has built a career across several European leagues, operating mainly as a screening midfielder in front of the defence. He has experience in top-flight football, including 27 appearances and one assist in a Premier League campaign earlier in his career, and has also featured in competitions in Armenia, Greece, Kosovo, Latvia, Finland, Iceland and Georgia.

Before arriving in Georgia, Manga had short stints with Kormakur/Hvot in Iceland and Grobina in Latvia, both moves also coming after brief periods without a club. Earlier spells with FC Jazz in Finland, FC Ferizaj in Kosovo, Olympiakos Volos and Rodos in Greece and FC Noah in Armenia added to a varied journey that began in senior football at Leiria after progressing from their youth ranks.

At international level he is eligible for both Guinea-Bissau and Portugal, reflecting his dual nationality, although his career to date has been built entirely in club football.

Manga’s departure from FC Samtredia is confirmed as a free transfer, leaving the defensive midfielder unattached and available for a new club from 14 July 2026.