Leonino exclusive: forward set on taking Ioannidis's spot at Sporting | OneFootball

Fotis Ioannidis’ physical problems are opening up space at Sporting. According to what our newspaper learned in a Leonino Exclusive, Rafael Nel wants to take advantage of the Greek international’s absence to prove his worth to Rui Borges. His main goal is to show he is capable of taking on the second spot in the attacking pecking order next season.

The academy youngster has been giving good signs to the Sporting coach in daily training, as well as responding well whenever called upon, even scoring his first goal for the Lions in the epic comeback against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League. The striker’s intention is to maintain this level until the end of the current season. In this way, the player plans to convince the coaching staff and fully secure a place among the first-team choices in 2026/27.

As a result of the constant injuries suffered lately, Sporting’s board is considering drastic scenarios for Fotis Ioannidis. The club’s hierarchy is even putting the possibility of selling the Greek international in the next transfer window on the table, as our newspaper had already reported. His poor sporting impact raises serious doubts about the viability of the Greek’s future in Lisbon.

At the moment, Luis Suárez appears to be the only senior centre-forward available among Rui Borges’ options. With his teammate’s prolonged unavailability, the Colombian has been called upon in every competition. It is precisely in this debate over attacking rotation that Nel wants to insert himself quickly.

This season, Rafael Nel - valued at €1.5 million - has made 26 appearances for Sporting: three for the first team (one in the Champions League and two in Liga Portugal Betclic) and 23 in the Segunda Liga for the reserve side. In total, the forward has played 1,531 minutes, scoring eight goals and providing four assists.

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