Sporting are preparing a strategic shift in their transfer policy for the upcoming season, placing greater emphasis on recruiting players from within Portugal. The club’s leadership, headed by Frederico Varandas, aims to revive a successful approach used during the Ruben Amorim era, after recent international signings struggled to adapt quickly to Portuguese football.
Players such as Faye, Vagiannidis, and Kochorashvili highlighted the challenges of integration and immediate impact, prompting the club to reassess its recruitment profile. The new plan prioritizes players already familiar with the Portuguese league, reducing risk and shortening adaptation time.
This strategy is not new and is supported by past successes. During the 2020/2021 season, Sporting built a championship-winning squad by recruiting domestically, bringing in players like Nuno Santos, Pedro Gonçalves, and Hidemasa Morita from clubs such as Rio Ave, Famalicão, and Santa Clara. Many of these players remain key figures in the squad.
Additionally, several domestic signings have generated significant financial returns, including Manuel Ugarte, Matheus Nunes, and more recently Alisson Santos. While not every move has been successful — with examples like Rúben Vinagre, Koba Koindredi, Rafael Pontelo, and Rochinha — the overall balance remains strongly positive.
The new approach is being developed in alignment with head coach Rui Borges, who believes the squad needs greater depth and reliable options. However, much will depend on qualification for the UEFA Champions League. Failure to secure a place would force a more cautious and precise transfer strategy, particularly in the international market.
Although Sporting will not abandon international recruitment, major investments are still expected abroad. However, the foundation of the squad will once again be built on players with experience in Portuguese football, marking a partial return to the successful model of recent years.
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