Varandas plans total overhaul at Sporting, 10 changes on the way | OneFootball

Sporting are approaching the end of the season as the definitive close of a hugely successful cycle at Alvalade. The defeat to Torreense in the Portuguese Cup final was seen internally as confirmation that the team needs a deep overhaul, despite the many titles won since 2020. Frederico Varandas has already set in motion a genuine revolution in the squad, with more than a dozen players heading for the exit and almost the same number of arrivals expected in the summer.

The biggest transformation begins in midfield, the area where the changes will be most radical. Hidemasa Morita’s contract has expired and he has said goodbye to the club, while Morten Hjulmand is expected to seal a transfer worth more than €40 million. Daniel Bragança could also leave due to difficulties in contract renewal talks, and Giorgi Kochorashvili is likewise being tipped for the exit. To rebuild the department, Sporting have already signed Rodrigo Zalazar from Braga for €30 million and are also preparing the arrivals of Issa Doumbia, Pedro Lima and Silas Andersen, while also keeping João Palhinha firmly on their radar for a return to Alvalade.

In defence, Rui Borges wants to keep the core of the team, but several cases remain open. Maxi Araújo continues to attract huge interest from around Europe after his performances in the Champions League, although the board want to avoid selling him. Ricardo Mangas is expected to leave, and the Lions are looking for at least one left-back. Ousmane Diomande and Gonçalo Inácio are also still drawing attention from the international market, with the Ivorian centre-back the most sought-after at the moment.

In attack, the outlook also points to major changes. Geovany Quenda’s move to Chelsea has already been confirmed, while Francisco Trincão and Pedro Gonçalves are increasingly open to a new challenge in their respective careers. The Portuguese international is attracting particular interest in England, while Pote continues to be linked with Saudi football. Both recently renewed their contracts, but Sporting would consider very high offers if bids close to their €80 million release clauses were to arrive.

In addition to Zalazar, Sporting are already preparing more signings to attack next season with a completely different look. Yeremay Hernández remains one of the preferred targets of Sporting’s board, and another winger from the domestic market is also expected to arrive. Rui Borges will now have greater influence over transfer decisions and also more responsibility for the team’s results. After a season that ended without silverware, Varandas wants to begin a new cycle at Alvalade and intends to avoid a repeat of the disappointing outcome experienced in 2025/26.

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