Leonino exclusive - Rui Borges delays Sporting wonderkid's promotion | OneFootball

Flávio Gonçalves is internally regarded as one of the young players with the greatest potential in Sporting’s academy, but, as Leonino has learned, next season is still not expected to mark the player’s breakthrough into the first team. Despite the huge confidence placed in his abilities, Sporting’s decision-makers believe the midfielder needs to continue his development process before making the definitive step up.

one of the most promising prospects from the Cristiano Ronaldo Academy. However, there is a conviction that his development should be handled in a sustainable way, without rushing stages that could harm the athlete’s progress.

With that in mind, Rui Borges is not expected to count on Flávio Gonçalves as a regular option in the first-team squad during 2026/27. The youngster will continue to be closely monitored by the coaching staff and may occasionally take part in training sessions with the senior team, but without definitive integration into the first team’s plans.

The priority is to ensure competitive minutes and continuity in his growth. At Alvalade, there is certainty that the player’s future may lie with the first team, but the strategy defined by Sporting’s officials is clear: protect one of the academy’s greatest talents and prepare his arrival at the highest level at the moment considered ideal.

In the 2025/26 season, Flávio Gonçalves has already made 24 appearances for the B team. The player has scored six goals and provided one assist, in addition to five goals and one assist for the junior team. For Rui Borges’ side, he has one assist in seven matches (165 minutes).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.