Kelechi John seals move to Uniao Santarem as Nigerian centre-back signs on free transfer

Nigeria defender Kelechi John has joined Uniao Santarem on a free transfer from Sanjoanense, strengthening the Liga 3 club’s options at centre-back. The 27-year-old has signed a deal running until 30 June 2027 after completing his move on 23 July 2026.

John arrives after a short spell with Sanjoanense, whom he joined in February 2026 following a period without a club. The right-footed central defender now remains in Portugal’s league system but steps into a new environment as Uniao Santarem continue to build their squad for the upcoming campaign.

Standing at 1.91m, John brings significant physical presence and experience from several different competitions. He has spent much of his career in Portugal, having originally moved from Elkanemi to Rio Ave’s youth set-up in 2016 before progressing through Rio Ave’s under-19, B and under-23 sides.

The Nigerian then established himself in senior football with Casa Pia and later B SAD, as well as enjoying a spell in Australia with Central Coast Mariners, where he was part of a side that finished as Australian Regular Season champions in 2022-23. Subsequent moves to Oliveirense and Portimonense kept him in professional European football before his brief free-agent period in 2025.

John once held a highest recorded market valuation of €500,000 during his time at Oliveirense, underlining the level he has operated at in recent seasons. His switch to Uniao Santarem is the latest chapter in a career that has blended Portuguese and overseas experience.

The move confirms John’s status as a Uniao Santarem player until the end of the 2026-27 season following his free transfer from Sanjoanense.