Maccabi Tel Aviv FC completed the first new signing of the January transfer after Orlando Carlos Braga de Sa (188cm) successfully underwent a medical, signed a three and a half year-deal this morning and received the number 70 shirt.

The 27-year-old Portuguese striker who joined Reading in the summer from Polish side Legia Warsaw scored 5 league goals in 19 appearances for the Royals in the Championship.AQ7A0024

Maccabi’s CEO Martin Bain told the clubs’ official website: “Our owner Mitch Goldhar is committed to continuing to develop the club across all levels so it is especially pleasing to note that our recent success and European participation is helping to attract players such as Orlando”.

Maccabi’s Sports Director Jordi Cruyff added: “Maccabi’s forward line is an area which everyone agrees needs strengthening and Orlando’s proven goal-record speaks for itself. He is a strong player with presence and we believe he will be an asset for Maccabi Tel Aviv”.

The 27-year-old striker told the clubs’ official website: “I am happy to be joining a club such as Maccabi Tel Aviv. I heard a lot about the atmosphere at home matches and hope to help my new teammates win as many titles as possible”.

Sa, who has 1 appearance for the Portuguese national side as well as 10 goals in 15 appearances for the U-21’s and U-20’s national sides, began his playing career at Sporting Braga’s youth department.

He joined Braga in 2004 aged 15 and made his step up youth to senior level in 2007 making his senior debut in 2009 on his return from Maria Fonte where he had spent the 2007/08 season on loan. Sa, then joined Portuguese Champions Porto for EUR 3 million in 2009 where he was loaned to C.D Nacional for