Transfer market buzzing: How Luis Suárez 'saved' Sporting's board | OneFootball

After winning the championship for the second consecutive year last season, Sporting entered the transfer market with the goal of maintaining the foundation of its success and adding solutions for a demanding schedule. The departure of Viktor Gyökeres forced the club’s management to act decisively, seeking a replacement capable of immediately meeting the Club’s demands.

It was in this context that Luis Suárez emerged. Signed to fill the gap left by the Swede, the Colombian quickly established himself as the most influential signing of the summer, earning a spot in Rui Borges’ starting lineup and taking on a central role in the team’s offensive output.

Suárez’s impact contrasts with the trajectory of the other new signings. Fotis Ioannidis, despite the significant investment, has been a frequent but secondary option, limited by direct competition in attack. The Greek has scored goals and provided assists, but the presence of the ‘number 97’ restricts his continued presence in the starting eleven.

Georgios Vagiannidis has also struggled to establish himself. Signed to compete for the starting spot on the right side of defense, he saw Iván Fresneda claim the position and has been used more sporadically. His adaptation to the playing style has been gradual, resulting in a less prominent role throughout the season.

In midfield, Giorgi Kochorashvili – who already has a set sale price – arrived with the prospect of growth, but competition and an injury have hampered his progress. The Georgian international has been a valid alternative, still far, however, from the prominence expected in his first season at Alvalade.

Ricardo Mangas took advantage of absences and adjustments in attack to rack up minutes and tangible contributions, but remains limited by the presence of Maxi Araújo. Meanwhile, João Virgínia has taken on the expected role, appearing mainly when Rui Silva is unavailable, without much opportunity to change the hierarchy.

Finally, Alisson Santos, who was loaned to Napoli during the winter transfer window, left positive signs mainly coming off the bench, with occasional impact in European matches and beyond, but ultimately did not become a central part of the coaching staff’s plans. Thus, in a season of distributed investment, it is Luis Suárez who, so far, attracts the most attention and delivers the best performances, establishing himself as the standout figure of Sporting’s transfer market.

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