Sporting is in pole position to secure the signing of Zeno Debast for next season. According to information gathered by Record, SAD has already started to shape the contract to be presented to the Belgian international, valid for five seasons, and as a result of the conversations it has had with Anderlecht over the last few weeks, it is confident that it can close the deal. business at any time. In fact, not only are the negotiations progressing at a good pace, but the Lions remain convinced that the transfer will be completed within the limits they had set at the outset, around 16 million euros – information we announced on April 15th –, not despite Anderlecht trying to pull the string to around 18 million, this for a player who only has… one more year on his contract.
Competition for the 20-year-old central defender is, as we know, high, with clubs from the Premier League, Bundesliga or Serie A hot on his heels. However, the fact that Sporting entered the field early, in the middle of this month, helped them gain an advantage over the others. After a first approach to the historic Belgian emblem, the arguments presented to the defender’s representatives, such as the promise of a prominent role in the green and white defense or the chance of making his debut in the Champions League, left him seduced by the glimpse to move to Alvalade next summer. Until then, it will still be necessary to take a few more steps, but from what has already been done, the lions know that they have him practically… tied up.
Before it’s too late
And speaking of summer, the move in anticipation of the structure is also related to Debast’s (more than likely) call to help his team at the European Championship, between June and July, where the showcase is even bigger. You have to be quick to reach an agreement, but at the same time be patient. And the strategy is almost bearing fruit.
High pressure for Diomande in the classic
Sporting wants to quickly close the signing of Debast, not only to get ahead of other clubs interested in the Belgian international, but also to ensure that it can prevent the potential departures of Diomande and/or Gonçalo Inácio in the summer.
Both the Ivorian and Portuguese sharks are being closely followed by several European sharks. In fact, some of them made a point of being present at FC Porto-Sporting, at Dragão, last Sunday. The list of clubs that sent emissaries to the classic include Chelsea, Liverpool or Juventus, a trio that over the last few months has made several observations to Diomande, in addition to Arsenal or Newcastle. Furthermore, Gonçalo Inácio is also referenced by Reds and Magpies. The first’s termination clause is €80 million and the second’s €60 million. Both have contracts until 2027.
Debast’s hiring aims to bridge a likely sale of the axis. In the event of two registrations, it is certain that SAD will return to the market for another central unit. Coates, we already know, will stay for another season. Neto ends contract.
