Sergi Altimira is closer to Sporting, but there’s a major obstacle | OneFootball

The signing of Sergi Altimira enters a decisive phase this week. Sporting remain determined to secure the Betis midfielder, but negotiations with the Spanish club are still far from being concluded, despite the progress already made with the player.

According to newspaper A Bola, the Lions already have the basis of an agreement with the Spain Under-21 international for a contract valid for five seasons. The 24-year-old midfielder remains excited about the possibility of moving to Alvalade, but Betis still need to be convinced to release one of the squad’s most highly valued assets.

The SAD led by Frederico Varandas is preparing to improve the offer initially presented to the Andalusians, which included €14 million fixed plus bonuses. However, the Spanish club continue to be inflexible in negotiations and are maintaining a financial demand higher than what Sporting had intended to pay in the early stage of the process.

Further complicating the deal is competition from Leipzig. The Germans remain alert to Altimira’s situation and are closely following the Lions’ movements, being prepared to match or come close to the figures that may be put on the table by Sporting.

Despite the strong desire to sign the player, Sporting’s officials are maintaining a firm stance. Sergi Altimira has long been a target for the club’s structure and one of the priorities for revamping the midfield, but Sporting do not intend to enter a bidding war for the Spaniard, even while recognising the importance he could have in Rui Borges’ project.

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