Paulinho's departure forces SAD to attack a replacement and… now. Only then does the focus shift to other areas

In fact, our newspaper discovered that Ioannidis' exit from the sports scene does not mean that the Hulk is slowing down; On the contrary, it is a matter of speed, as the search for an attacker takes priority over any other folder. It is true that the club is not completely under pressure, as Gjokeris is restricted by a €100 million termination clause and there have been no signs that could threaten his continuity at Alvalade. On the other hand, the departure of Paulinho, who is on his way to the Mexicans from Toluca, reinforces the need for Identify an alternative with a target for the advanced sector.

Within the attack strategy there is one certainty: the investment will not exceed what was allocated to Ioannidis, the target of two offers worth around 18 million euros… before the negotiating rope is cut. In other words, from the start, the future signing will be less expensive than that of Gyukiris, who a year ago cost almost €20 million, plus €4 million for goals, with Coventry.

At this stage, the Swede is on vacation, without neglecting the recovery process from the small surgical intervention in his left knee, which he performed at the end of last May. It seems that he should be back on the field during July, but he will not yet be able to make his contribution at the start of the season in the academy, on the first of this month. With Gyukiris out, Paulinho packs his bags The competition is yet to come, meaning Amorim may not have the spearhead at the start of 2024/25. Who knows, maybe there will be a chance for Rafael Nel, from the second team…

Pay attention to everything

The fact that Sporting is concentrating its efforts up front does not prevent it at the same time from being vigilant regarding the remaining areas that need reinforcements. Remember what Record magazine published on May 10, it is very likely that the Green and White team will bet on signing a right winger who has the ability to play on the left flank. In defence, a sector with a new face in Debast, the possibility of another centre-back arriving if there is a departure… or more, is not ruled out. Located in Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio or St. Juste market.

Clan Esgaio had already said goodbye to their friend

With everything closed between Sporting and Toluca regarding Paulinho's transfer – agreed for €7.75 million, plus €250,000 for the goals, as we reported in our digital edition – the Portuguese is packing his bags and is expected to arrive in Mexico at the beginning of the week to undergo medical tests, a move Mandatory to conclude the transaction.

But there are already those who expected this. Mara Esgayo, the wife of Ricardo Esgayo, one of Paulinho's best friends at Sporting, has already said goodbye. “Much more than football! Always with you! I can't believe we won't hear Paulinho's music at Alvalade anymore,” he wrote on Instagram. Remember that Sp. Braga is entitled to 30% of the sale value and will meet with Sporting to settle the accounts.

Written by Ricardo Granada