Surprise! Sporting pre-season starter asks Rui Borges to let him go | OneFootball

he could be on his way out of Sporting, and the SAD board is already working on signing a new goalkeeper to cover the possible departure of the Portuguese Under-21 international. The Lions’ priority is to secure a young player with room for development.

According to CNN Portugal, the desire to leave Alvalade came from the player himself, who wants more playing time at an important stage of his career. Although he was aware that he was joining Sporting to serve as backup to Rui Silva, the goalkeeper had hoped to get more opportunities under Rui Borges.

Last season, he featured in eight matches, but he was reportedly disappointed not to have been used in some competitions where he believed he could have been an option. Faced with that scenario, the player, his agent, and Sporting came to the understanding that the best solution would be to look for an option that would allow him to take on a more prominent role.

João Virgínia joined the Club in the summer of 2025 on a free transfer, after his contract with Everton expired. At 26, he believes this is the right time to take his career in a new direction and find a project where he can play more regularly.

With the goalkeeper’s departure looking imminent, Sporting’s officials are already assessing alternatives to strengthen the position. The aim is to sign a goalkeeper with growth potential who can establish himself as a future prospect in Sporting’s goal.

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