Rio Ave has secured the services of 33-year-old Czech international defender Jakub Brabec, who arrives on a free transfer with a contract for two seasons. The central defender, capped 42 times by his country, comes from a four-season spell at Aris Thessaloniki. His exit from the Greek side was expedited following their elimination from the UEFA Conference League, a tournament where he played once this season against Araz FK. The influence of coach Sotiris Silaidopoulos was a key factor in Brabec's move to the Portuguese club, and he is already in training with his new squad. Brabec chose the sporting project at Rio Ave over proposals from other Greek clubs and an option to return to his homeland. The player's current market valuation is €1.00m, according to Transfermarkt.