Sporting plot quiet midfield revamp, Rui Borges has targets | OneFootball

Sporting have already started preparing for next season, and midfield has emerged as one of the main priorities for the Lions’ hierarchy. With key departures on the horizon, such as Morten Hjulmand and Hidemasa Morita, the Alvalade club, led by Rui Borges, have identified several targets and drawn up a reduced shortlist with very specific profiles to strengthen the department.

One of the names on the table is Sergi Altimira, a Real Betis midfielder who has made 38 appearances, scoring two goals and providing two assists this season. Although there have not yet been any formal negotiations, the interest is real and could develop soon, especially since the Spanish club are open to selling — despite the high fee. The 24-year-old has been attracting attention on the market and is seen as a possible replacement for Morten Hjulmand, whose departure is practically set.

More advanced is the case of Issa Doumbia, a Venezia midfielder, who has been one of the revelations of Italy’s second division, with 34 appearances, eight goals and four assists. Sporting have already made contact, but face strong competition from Italy and a significant financial obstacle, since the deal is unlikely to be completed for less than €15 million. Even so, the Lions remain attentive and willing to negotiate within the limits set internally.

Besides these two names, there are other alternatives on the list, although in the background, as part of a strategy aimed at not depending on a single scenario. What is certain is that Sporting are preparing a real midfield overhaul, with likely departures and tactical adjustments under consideration, including possible positional changes for players already in the squad to cover the gaps that will emerge, such as the idea of moving Pote deeper on the pitch.

Sporting will take to the field this Wednesday, 15 April, against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. The match, the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, will kick off at 8:00 pm at the Emirates Stadium in London.

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