Rui Borges blocks January exit of Sporting fringe player | OneFootball

Rafael Nel is expected to stay at Sporting after the market reopens in January. Despite his limited game time at the start of the season, the board and Rui Borges believe the 21-year-old forward can be an important option over the course of a demanding campaign.

According to newspaper A Bola, a loan move is currently off the table. The scenario could only change in the event of an offer deemed too good to refuse for a permanent transfer, or through a loan project that guarantees the player regular minutes at the highest level and clear benefits for his development.

Competition from Luis Suárez and Fotis Ioannidis has limited Rafael Nel’s opportunities in the first team. The striker has played just 15 minutes this season, all of them in the 3-1 win over Alverca on matchday three of the league campaign.

Even so, the limited use has not changed Rui Borges’ opinion. The coach was pleased with the young player’s performances during pre-season and has been encouraged by the progress shown by the number 9 over the last year and a half.

To keep him match-fit, Sporting have regularly used Rafael Nel in the B team. The Portugal Under-21 international has responded with two goals in three matches, as part of a strategy designed to keep him ready for any opportunity with the senior side. He was also on the bench for the Lions’ last four matches.

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