Leonino exclusive, Espanyol man lined up if Fresneda leaves | OneFootball

Omar El Hilali is one of the names identified by Sporting to strengthen the right side of the defence. Leonino understands that the Espanyol full-back is on the green-and-white structure’s radar and could become a concrete target if Iván Fresneda leaves Alvalade in this summer transfer window.

Even so, despite the interest Fresneda continues to attract from abroad, the most likely scenario remains the Spaniard staying at Sporting. The full-back wants to remain at Alvalade, play in the Champions League again and establish himself once and for all in Rui Borges’ team, reasons that have led the SAD to rule out, for now, a possible departure.

Despite that, the structure led by Frederico Varandas does not want to be caught off guard and has already identified alternatives for the position. Omar El Hilali, 21, who plays for Espanyol, is one of the profiles most appreciated by the Sporting officials because of his attacking traits, physical ability and room for development.

If an offer deemed impossible to refuse arrives for Fresneda, Sporting could move forward with the signing of the Moroccan international. At this stage, however, the process is only in the monitoring phase, with any approach dependent on the possible departure of the current first-choice right-back for the Lions.

In the 2025/26 season, playing for Espanyol, Omar El Hilali – valued at €15 million – made 37 official appearances. In the 2,918 minutes he was on the pitch, the 21-year-old full-back did not score any goals, but he did provide three assists for his teammates.

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