Lithuanian A Lyga club FA Šiauliai have announced the signing of Portuguese winger Rui Batalha, who has signed a contract with the club for the 2026 season.
The 29-year-old wide player spent the previous six months with Kazakhstan Premier League side Zhenis, where he made 11 appearances, scoring one goal and providing three assists. Notably, his spell in Kazakhstan marked the first time in his career playing outside Portugal.
Before moving abroad, Batalha represented several clubs in Portugal, accumulating 81 matches in the Portuguese third division, during which he scored 22 goals.
Speaking after completing the move, Batalha expressed his enthusiasm about joining the club:
“I’m happy to become part of this club and I believe we can achieve the goals we’ve set. From the first day, everyone welcomed me very warmly and helped me adapt more quickly to the new environment, for which I’m extremely grateful. My main goal is to help fulfil the club’s objectives. I came here to be another player who can contribute to the team’s success, and I hope to do that with goals and assists.”
FA Šiauliai will play their first pre-season friendly this Saturday in Panevėžys when they will face Džiugas Telšiai. The match will take place at the Panevėžys inflatable indoor arena, with kick-off scheduled for 17:30.
Source: https://siauliufa.lt/i-siaulius-atvyksta-kazachstane-rungtyniaves-portugalas/
