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 moves across the country to link up with the Liga 3 club after leaving Sanjoanense, who compete in the Campeonato de Portugal Serie B. The deal is a permanent move, with no transfer fee involved.

John adds experience at the heart of Uniao Santarem’s defence, having been playing his club football in Portugal with Sanjoanense. His arrival strengthens a back line preparing to face a higher level of competition, as Liga 3 sits above the division of his former team in the Portuguese system.

Capable of operating as a traditional central defender, the Nigerian will be expected to provide depth and stability in the defensive unit as Uniao Santarem look to navigate the demands of the upcoming campaign. His switch also underlines the club’s intention to source talent from within Portugal’s lower tiers.

John’s move continues a pathway that has increasingly seen players step up from the Campeonato de Portugal into Liga 3, using consistent performances to earn opportunities at clubs higher up the pyramid.

The transfer was finalised on 23 July 2026, confirming John as the latest addition to Uniao Santarem’s squad for the new season.