Rui Borges makes special request of Eduardo Quaresma at Sporting | OneFootball

Eduardo Quaresma is preparing to take on an even more important role at Sporting during the 2026/27 pre-season. With several absences expected in the first weeks of training and major changes in the dressing-room hierarchy, the centre-back developed at Alcochete is set to gain prominence under Rui Borges.

Sporting’s squad returns to work on June 30 and, in the initial phase, Quaresma will be one of the group’s main figures. The imminent departure of Morten Hjulmand, the possible transfer of Daniel Bragança, and the late arrival of Gonçalo Inácio, Zeno Debast and Ousmane Diomande due to international commitments create room for the 24-year-old defender to take on more responsibility within the team.

According to Record newspaper, that growth had already been encouraged by Rui Borges throughout last season. The coach is said to have asked the Portugal international to increase his influence in the Sporting dressing room and make his voice heard more among his teammates, in a clear preparation for a greater leadership role in the future.

In addition to his growing importance off the pitch, Eduardo Quaresma also wants to establish himself further on the sporting side. After making 31 appearances in 2025/26, the best tally of his career, the centre-back wants to take the next step and fight for a more prominent place in the green-and-white starting team.

The captaincy hierarchy is expected to undergo significant changes in the coming months. Gonçalo Inácio appears to be one of the strongest names to take on a leading role, while João Palhinha, should he return to Alvalade, is seen by Sporting’s structure as a potential figure to lead the group. Even so, Quaresma is expected to move up within that leadership structure.

At the same time, the defender is also close to renewing his contract. Currently tied to Sporting until 2028, the player has already been approached by the SAD to extend the deal until 2031. The new agreement should include a salary increase, while keeping the release clause fixed at €80 million.

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