Neither Palhinha nor Altimira: Sporting consider another midfield option | OneFootball

Sporting are still searching for Morten Hjulmand’s successor, and the final choice may end up being neither João Palhinha nor Sergi Altimira. Although both midfielders remain very highly placed on the Lions’ board’s list of priorities, the obstacles in both deals are forcing the green-and-white decision-makers to keep other alternatives under consideration.

The departure of the Lions’ captain is increasingly seen as likely. Hjulmand continues to be monitored by some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Atlético de Madrid and Manchester City, and the agreement in place with Frederico Varandas to facilitate a transfer for between €40 million and €50 million makes staying at Alvalade an increasingly unlikely scenario.

João Palhinha remains the name most appreciated by Sporting’s structure. However, despite the Portuguese international’s desire to return to Portugal and his openness to lowering his salary, negotiations with Bayern Munich continue to prove complex, at a time when Tottenham still maintain interest in the midfielder.

Sergi Altimira, meanwhile, is seen as a more affordable solution from a negotiating standpoint, but growing international competition is complicating the process. Leipzig remain very attentive to the Betis player and the Spaniards are looking to maximize the financial return from a possible sale during this transfer window.

Given the difficulties in both cases, Sporting’s board continue to assess other options for the deepest midfield position. With Rodrigo Zalazar, Pedro Lima, Issa Doumbia and Silas Andersen already secured, Sporting want to complete the overhaul of the department with a midfielder capable of taking on the role Hjulmand has played over the last few seasons.

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