GKS Katowice are targeting defensive reinforcements and have turned their attention to 32-year-old Portuguese center-back Tobias Figueiredo, according to reports from Poland. The club is looking to solidify its position in the Ekstraklasa after a strong start to 2026, and Figueiredo’s experience could prove valuable.
Katowice had initially hoped to retain Lukas Klemenz, who was attracting interest from Śląsk Wrocław, and succeeded in doing so. But, the club continues to pursue additional options to strengthen the backline, having previously been linked with Pau Resta, Denis Ciobotariu, and Ulrik Fredriksen – moves that ultimately did not materialize.
Figueiredo brings a substantial resume to the table. He has 66 appearances for Portugal’s youth national teams and has played professionally for Sporting CP, Nottingham Forest, and Hull City. His career began with Sporting, where he made 30 appearances and contributed to winning the Portuguese Cup and League Cup. He then spent a significant period in England, featuring in 122 matches for Nottingham Forest.
The defender’s experience extends beyond Portugal, and England. He has also spent time in Brazil, with Fortaleza, and had loan spells with Criciúma and Athletico Paranense, totaling 45 appearances across those clubs. This recent stint in South American football adds another dimension to his playing background.
Figueiredo’s potential arrival comes as Katowice look to build on a positive start to the year. The team’s recent form has alleviated concerns about potential relegation, and adding a player with Figueiredo’s pedigree could further solidify their position in the league. The club is clearly prioritizing strengthening its defensive options, despite already securing Klemenz’s continued service.
Currently valued at €750,000 by Transfermarkt.de, Figueiredo’s contract with Fortaleza runs until the end of 2026. Negotiating a deal to bring him to Poland may require Katowice to overcome this existing commitment, but the potential benefits of adding a player with his experience could be worth the effort.
The 32-year-old’s career highlights include a debut in the Champions League, adding to his appeal as a seasoned professional. His extensive experience in the English Championship, specifically his 122 appearances for Nottingham Forest between 2018 and 2022, suggests a player accustomed to the demands of a competitive league. Standing at 188cm, Figueiredo also possesses the physical stature typically sought in a central defender.
While Katowice have been active in the transfer market, seeking to bolster their squad, securing a deal for Figueiredo represents a potentially significant addition. His arrival would provide competition for places and offer a wealth of experience to a team aiming to establish itself firmly in the Ekstraklasa. The club’s pursuit of Figueiredo underscores their ambition to continue improving and building a competitive squad capable of challenging higher up the league table.
The pursuit of Figueiredo highlights a proactive approach from GKS Katowice in the winter transfer window. Despite failing to land several other defensive targets, the club has remained focused on strengthening this area of the team. The Portuguese defender’s impressive CV, featuring spells at notable clubs like Sporting CP and Nottingham Forest, makes him an attractive option for the Polish side.
The fact that Katowice were able to retain Lukas Klemenz despite interest from Śląsk Wrocław demonstrates the club’s commitment to its existing players. However, the continued pursuit of Figueiredo suggests that the coaching staff believes further reinforcement is necessary to achieve their goals for the remainder of the season. The coming days will be crucial as Katowice attempt to finalize a deal for the experienced Portuguese defender.
