Pedro Gonçalves exit could drive Sporting to market madness, target set | OneFootball

Pedro Gonçalves is just a small step away from leaving Sporting. The Lions’ ‘number 8’ will join Bruno Lage’s Al Diriyah later this summer and, to make up for the departure of the creative player, the green and whites are preparing to return to the market.

Despite strong interest from Al Ittihad, it was the former Benfica coach who ultimately convinced the player to move to Saudi Arabia and thus bring to an end a six-year spell with the club from Alvalade. Although he had his doubts at an early stage, Pote is now said to be fully convinced about moving to the Middle East.

As soon as Pote’s departure is confirmed, Sporting will become active again in the transfer market, and the desired target has already been identified. Rui Borges wants to sign a left winger who can preferably also play as a number 10. Jesse Derry will also be an option, but the Lions’ coach wants someone with more experience to be a regular option in the team. Sporting’s board is willing to make a major investment in that signing.

According to Record, progress in the negotiations could even mean that Pote says goodbye to the Sporting fans in this Monday’s match, on July 20, against Strasbourg at the Algarve Stadium (8:15pm), since his transfer could be wrapped up by the end of the week.

During his time at Sporting, Pedro Gonçalves made 243 appearances, scored 80 goals and provided 53 assists, winning three league titles, two League Cups, one Portuguese Cup and one Super Cup. The Lions invested €13.5 million to secure 90% of the player’s rights, meaning Famalicão will be entitled to 10% of the fee from any future transfer.

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