Leonino exclusive - Rui Borges could shake up Sporting XI in 26/27 | OneFootball

Francisco Silva could become Sporting’s B team starting goalkeeper next season, Leonino has learned. The 20-year-old’s rise in the pecking order depends solely on Diego Callai being loaned out in the 2026/27 season, something that is also in the plans.

As our newspaper reported in a Leonino Exclusive, Callai’s future is still somewhat uncertain. Rui Borges wants to assess the secondary squad goalkeeper’s development during pre-season, although a loan move to another Liga Portugal Betclic club is on the table.

If that ends up happening, Francisco Silva will get a new opportunity with the side managed by João Gião. At this stage, the 20-year-old remains in Callai’s shadow and has ended up playing few minutes for Sporting B, but next season could bring changes.

It is worth remembering that the goalkeeper renewed his contract with the Alvalade club in August 2025, extending his deal until 2029. The Sporting structure sees Francisco Silva as an option for the future, with the player having been tied to the Lions since he was 10 years old.

In the current season, wearing the Sporting shirt, Francisco Silva – valued at €300,000 – has made just five appearances, all in Liga 2. For the Lions’ B team, coached by João Gião, the goalkeeper has played 450 minutes, conceding a total of five goals.

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