Former Colchester United midfielder Mauro Bandeira has linked up with the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) pre-season team. The 22-year-old played for the PFA side featuring fellow out-of-contract players in their friendly against Watford under-21s on Tuesday. Bandeira, who spent time at the U's on loan in the 2023/24 season, has most recently been playing his football for Slovenian club NK Tabor Sezana. Colchester currently sit 11th in League Two with 1 point from 1 game, having drawn their opening match of the 2026/27 season.
What happened during Bandeira's loan at Colchester?
Bandeira joined Colchester on loan from Arsenal in the summer of 2023 but his season-long loan spell ended in January 2024. The midfielder made 11 league and cup appearances and two league starts for the U's. His last appearance came as a substitute in the 5-0 defeat at Forest Green Rovers in October 2023. Bandeira had been involved in pre-season and the opening weeks of the 2023-24 campaign under former manager Ben Garner.
Why did Bandeira leave Colchester early?
Bandeira returned to Arsenal after both clubs agreed to cut short the loan. The midfielder, who signed his first professional contract at Arsenal in 2022, found himself down the pecking order at Colchester. He was one of 22 players released by Arsenal in June 2024. Fellow former Colchester players John-Kymani Gordon, Anthony Scully and Rhys Healey also featured in the PFA team that took on Watford under-21s.
What's next for Colchester?
Colchester's next fixture is away at Gillingham on 27 February 2027. The U's are 2 points behind League Two leaders Walsall. They have scored 2 goals and conceded 2 so far this season, with a goal difference of 0.
