Portuguese side Maritimo have announced the signing of former Plymouth Argyle defender Nathanael Ogbeta on a two-year contract.
The 25-year-old was allowed to leave Home Park at the end of the season after being shipped off to Barnsley on a loan deal which saw him play 30 times across a dysfunctional for the Tykes.
Ogbeta Takes Off Abroad
Signing from Bolton Wanderers in 2024 on a free transfer, the left-back made a limited impact in his debut season in Devon, playing 17 times in the Championship as the Pilgrims were relegated to the third tier.
Under new management in the form of Tom Cleverley, Ogbeta was deemed to be surplus to requirements with Bali Mumba being the preferred option, and sent to Barnsley on a season-long loan.
His place at Argyle was further dented when the former Watford boss opted to keep him out at Oakwell following the sale of Mumba to Huddersfield Town, and was instead replaced by Wes Harding on loan from Millwall.
Ogbeta was released by the club following the conclusion of the season, and that allowed Maritimo to pick him up as a free agent, penning a two-year deal at the Madeira-based club.
Speaking upon his arrival in Funchal, the full-back said (Quotes via Yorkshire Post):
“Super excited to join Marítimo. It has been a challenging process to get everything over the line yet I am so grateful to God for this opportunity and very thankful to the staff, my wife, my family and my representatives for all their help in getting this move done.
“It’s my first time playing abroad and I can’t wait to learn, grow and develop further while I am here. I also can’t wait to meet the fans and hopefully be a part of something special. To God be the glory.”
Ideal Move For All
With Tom Cleverley eyeing a permanent move for Wes Harding, whose future at Millwall was likely over, allowing Nathanael Ogbeta to walk after the season was the best choice for Plymouth Argyle.
Having failed to deliver under Wayne Rooney during his disastrous tenure in charge, Cleverley opted to ship him off elsewhere, allowing him to recruit his own options once Bali Mumba was sold on to Huddersfield Town.
Ogbeta now has an unlikely chance to prove himself in the Portuguese top division with Maritimo, who will be hopeful they can avoid an immediate relegation following last season’s promotion success.
