Football Season Guide

Sporting came very close from a disastrous season, got a little better since the arrival of Rúben Amorim, but failed to hold the 3rd place near the end and finished last season out from the top-3. Club's weak financial conditions didn't allow for much improvement during the summer, but there are some good signs on what the team can be building around the figure of young and promising coach Amorim. It should be clear from the start that 'Leões' are not contenders for the title; instead, they aim is to build a winning side for the near future. Holding names like Feddal and Antunes will help the side to remain competitive in the process. Pedro Gonçalves and Nuno Santos are the most exciting new signings for the season, while there are high expectation on some young talents like Jovane Cabral and Nuno Mendes to have their definitive season this time around. The likes of Acuña, Ilori and Palhinha are close to leave. The biggest question however relates with Luciano Vietto's physical condition. If he gets back at proper fitness, he should be the team's reference during the season, but if he fails to return to top fitness, Sporting will look banal in attack. Coates in defence and Wendel in midfield are the team's most solid references. Adan's arrival has been questioned as it may hurt the evolution of promising Luis Maximiano in goal.