Blackfield goalkeeper Joe Besant set for trial in Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo's former club Nacional

A YOUNG keeper who spent time on-loan at Blackfield & Langley from AFC Bournemouth has been offered a week's trial with Cristiano Ronaldo's former club Nacional in Portugal.

Joe Besant, 18, who made eleven Wessex Football League during the truncated 2020/21 season, had agreed to extend his stay with Blackfield & Langley for the upcoming season. However, the plan changed after his release from AFC Bournemouth.

CD Nacional Madeira, commonly known as Nacional, ply their trade in the second-highest division in Portuguese football in Liga Portugal 2.

The club had Cristiano Ronaldo on their books between 1995 and 1997.

Besant, who stands 6ft 4in tall and has size 13 feet, spent the time at Blackfield under the tutelage of manager Fawzi Saadi, a former player and coach with AFC Bournemouth.

On their social media, Blackfield & Langley wished Besant well, stating: "We wish goalkeeper Joe Besant the very best in Portugal, an opportunity not to be missed.

"We're sure you will show them within the week your great potential of being a top-class goalkeeper in years to come."