Estoril Praia, competing in Portugal`s top football division, the Primeira Liga, has officially announced the acquisition of Georgian midfielder Nodar Lomitadze. The 23-year-old joins the Canarinhos from Dinamo Tbilisi, marking a significant step in his burgeoning career.
Lomitadze has committed his future to the Portuguese club with a contract that extends until 2029. This long-term commitment signals a clear belief from Estoril Praia in the young player`s potential and his ability to contribute significantly over the coming seasons. It`s always a bit of a gamble signing a player to such a lengthy deal, but clearly, the club`s technical staff likes what they see.
A product of the esteemed Dinamo Tbilisi youth academy, Lomitadze has spent his entire professional career to date within Georgia. Before making the switch to Estoril Praia, he had spells at other Georgian clubs including Gagra, Samgurali Tskaltubo, and Dila, gaining valuable experience across the domestic leagues.
In the recently concluded Georgian League season, Lomitadze was a consistent presence for Dinamo Tbilisi, featuring in 17 of their 18 league matches. While primarily a midfielder, he managed to find the back of the net once during these appearances. He also made one appearance for Dinamo`s reserve team in the second division, demonstrating his availability across different levels of the club`s setup.
This move represents Lomitadze`s first venture outside of his native Georgia. Stepping into a more competitive European league like the Portuguese Primeira Liga will be a fresh challenge, testing his adaptability and skill set against a higher standard of opposition.
Nodar Lomitadze is the third new face to arrive at Estoril Praia this transfer window. He joins experienced Portuguese midfielder Pizzi, who signed from Cypriot club APOEL, and young English forward Khayon Edwards, on loan from Arsenal. These early signings indicate Estoril`s intent to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season.
Fans of Estoril Praia will be eager to see how the Georgian talent integrates into the team and whether he can translate his domestic performances onto the Portuguese stage. Only time will tell if this long-term investment pays off for the Cascais-based club.
