Luis Suárez and Ioannidis under threat at Sporting, 2026/27 may surprise | OneFootball

Rafael Nel made the most of the opportunities he was given during pre-season and is preparing to compete for a place in Sporting’s attack with Luis Suárez and Fotis Ioannidis. The 21-year-old forward could even be used against Estrela da Amadora, either as a starter or brought on during the match.

The Alcochete academy graduate finished pre-season with three goals and one assist, making him the Lions’ second-highest scorer, behind only Daniel Bragança. According to Record, the brace in the 4-1 win over Nottingham Forest strengthened Nel’s chances of being included in Rui Borges’ plans for the opening matchday.

These numbers continue the form he showed in 2025/26. Despite playing just 214 minutes for the first team, Rafael Nel scored three goals, averaging one every 71 minutes, and also added an assist.

The striker also showed he can deliver when named in the starting XI. Last season, he started only against Santa Clara and AVS SAD, but scored in both matches. The third goal came against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League.

With Ioannidis having made just one start in pre-season and Luis Suárez still yet to play alongside the new signings, Rafael Nel has moved up the pecking order. Although he continues to attract interest in Portugal and abroad, he is inclined to stay at Alvalade, fight for minutes and avoid a return to the B team, a scenario he sees as a step back at this stage of his career.

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