Rui Borges handed major Sporting boost for 2026/27: 44 goals | OneFootball

Sporting are already preparing for a scenario that could involve the departures of Pedro Gonçalves and Francisco Trincão and, in that sense, the reinforcements signed for midfield bring an argument that particularly pleases Rui Borges: goals. Rodrigo Zalazar, Pedro Lima, Issa Doumbia and Silas Andersen combined for 44 goals last season, numbers that help offset a possible loss of attacking firepower.

The biggest contribution came from Rodrigo Zalazar. Signed to be one of the team’s main creative references, the Uruguay international ended the season with 23 goals, more than half the total recorded by the four new signings. Even so, Sporting’s decision-makers particularly value the ability of the other midfielders to get into scoring positions, despite operating in deeper roles on the pitch.

Issa Doumbia was one of the clearest cases. The Italian midfielder scored 10 goals in 38 matches for Venezia and played a decisive role in the club’s promotion to the top tier of Italian football. The final stretch of the season was especially positive, with four goals in the last 10 matches and two in the final five. Sporting’s new signing even said goodbye to the Italian club by scoring in the win over Palermo.

Silas Andersen also arrived at Alvalade after showing notable improvement in his relationship with goal. The Dane ended the season with five goals for Häcken, and three of them came precisely in the last five rounds. Like Doumbia, he also scored in the match that marked his farewell to the club he represented.

Pedro Lima followed a similar trend. The Brazilian signed from AVS SAD scored six goals over the course of the season, and half of them came in the last five rounds. One of those goals came precisely against Sporting, from the penalty spot, in a match that ended in a draw.

The ability to get into scoring positions and the progress shown by the new signings in the decisive moments of the season are factors that leave Rui Borges optimistic. At a time when Sporting’s attack could undergo major changes, the new midfielders arrive with the promise of adding not only quality in build-up play, but also an important share of goals.

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