Cameroon forward Marco Essimi joins Portuguese top-flight side FC Alverca

Cameroon forward Marco Essimi has completed a move from USL Dunkerque to FC Alverca, with the newly promoted Portuguese side handing the attacker a three-year contract ahead of the new Primeira Liga season.

The transfer marks a new stage in the career of the 27-year-old winger, who leaves French Ligue 2 after two seasons to experience top-flight football in Portugal for the first time.

FC Alverca, recently promoted to the Portuguese first division, moved quickly to secure Essimi’s signature as they prepare for their return to elite domestic competition.

The club confirmed the arrival of the French-Cameroonian attacker as part of their efforts to strengthen the squad ahead of the new campaign.

Essimi departs Dunkerque after producing several memorable performances during his time with the French side.

Among the highlights of his spell at the club was a remarkable display against Amiens SC in September 2025, when he scored a hat-trick in just 34 minutes in a performance that attracted significant attention in Ligue 2.

Across all competitions, the winger registered 10 goals and eight assists during his period at Dunkerque, establishing himself as one of the club’s important attacking players.

His move to Portugal now offers him an opportunity to test himself in a new environment and at a higher competitive level as FC Alverca prepare for life in the Primeira Liga.

The transfer could also strengthen Essimi’s chances of attracting attention from the Cameroon national team.

With regular football in one of Europe’s recognised top divisions, the forward will hope his performances can help him move closer to an international opportunity.

For FC Alverca, the signing represents an experienced addition ahead of a challenging season in the Portuguese top flight, while for Essimi it marks another important step in a career that continues to progress steadily across European football.