Official: Sporting loan centre-back to Ronaldo’s former club | OneFootball

It's official. Sporting has loaned Duarte Correia, an 18-year-old center-back who was part of the club's youth ranks, to Real Valladolid in Spain. The agreement is valid until the end of the season, but the Spanish club, which once had Ronaldo "Fenómeno" as an owner, has the option to secure the defender permanently.

The left-footed player joined the Alvalade club in 2018 from Leão Altivo, and last season he played 24 games, scoring four goals, in the youth team. In 2025/26, the Portuguese U-17 international was integrated into the junior team, but he did not play any official matches and was eventually transferred to the club that competes in the Spanish second division. He is already training with the blanquivioletas.

It is worth noting that Duarte Correia signed a professional contract with the club led by Frederico Varandas, in June of last year, and the young athlete expressed great pride: "It means that the Club believes in me a lot, and I will repay with effort, dedication, and hard work", he said at the time.

The loaning of young players from the academy was something adopted by the green and white club in this winter transfer window. Recall the departure of Sandro Nascimento to the Italians of Torino. The 19-year-old midfielder played in the U-23 category.

Duarte Correia will play in the same competition where Yeremay Hernández competes. The winger from Deportivo La Coruña was highly sought after by Sporting in the last summer market, and despite the failed signing, the club intends to acquire him in 2026/2027.

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