Sporting squad reports for duty

New season starts early for Lions; Fernandez signing imminent

Sporting are the first Portuguese team to get back to work after the summer break, as the club’s Alcochete training centre opened its gates to welcome back the players this morning. At least two important signings are expected to complete the squad in the coming days.

Sporting must get past two opponents to reach the group stages of the Champions League, with the first leg of the 3rd qualifying round to be played on 28 or 29 July. Therefore the Lions decided to cut short the close season to fully prepare for what will be the first and among their most important matches of the new season.

The only additions to the squad thus far are players who came through the academy, Carlos Saleiro (striker) and Andre Marques (left-back), who have earned a place in the pre-season training camp with the seniors following impressive seasons on loan last year.

Fernandez deal imminent

Sporting are close to completing the signing of Chilean midfield playmaker Matias Fernandez from Villarreal.

The president of the Spanish club, Fernando Roig, yesterday said, “In the world of football until something is definitively concluded it’s best not to talk about it. But at the moment I can say that negotiations are taking place and are on the right track.”

The Lisbon outfit are also pondering the possibility of bringing in Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo, whose agent Saif Rubie yesterday told Sky Sports, “Everybody knows Sporting want Felipe, but other Premier League and European clubs are interested in him.”

As for players coach Paulo Bento no longer counts on in relation to the previous season, Derlei is the only confirmed departure. But Argentine midfielder Romagnoli and Brazilian duo Ronny and Tiui are also expected to leave.

by Tom Kundert