Sporting ready with replacement if Maxi Araújo departs | OneFootball

Sporting already knows who they intend to sign if Maxi Araújo leaves Alvalade: Leonardo Lelo. The Braga player has been a long-standing desire of the green and white structure, ever since he played at Casa Pia, and this interest may see developments in the next transfer window, as reported in our Leonino Exclusive.

In recent months, the Uruguayan international of the lions has been frequently linked to a possible move to Italy. Atalanta and Napoli are the two clubs that have already shown interest in Rui Borges' 'number 20', with the latter even considering making an offer in January.

Although nothing is confirmed yet, Sporting intends to be prepared in case an offer exceeding 30 million euros for Maxi Araújo arises - a value considered acceptable by the SAD - even though Rui Borges has no intention of losing one of the players seen as a key component of the squad.

Even without the South American, the Sporting squad would still include Ricardo Mangas, Nuno Santos (when he returns from injury), and Matheus Reis - with the Brazilian also expected to leave the lions at the end of the season - the Leonine Board intends to have an action plan, and Lelo is part of it.

The full-back has been making a name for himself at Braga and has even reached the highest number of assists in a season in his career: seven. Leonardo Lelo - valued at 6 million euros - has been one of the standout players for the Minho team and, this season, in 21 matches played (1,509 minutes), he has also scored one goal.

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