The upcoming season promises to be a decisive milestone for Sporting, which is preparing for a revolution in its midfield. With the departure of key players and the need for new signings, the heart of the green and white team will beat differently in the 2026/2027 season. As the end of the current season approaches, it is clear that the club faces significant challenges in assembling its squad.
Hjulmand, Morita, João Simões, Kochorashvili, and Daniel Bragança currently make up the core of the Lions’ midfield. With Hjulmand amassing an impressive 3,481 minutes in 38 matches and Morita totaling 1,971 minutes in the same 38 challenges, the importance of these athletes to Sporting is undeniable. The midfield, which has Trincão at the forefront as a crucial player, is on the brink of profound changes.
The news begins with the inevitable departures. Hjulmand and Morita, the two pillars of the team, already have their paths laid out. The Danish player, who arrived at Alvalade in the summer of 2023 for 18 million euros, has proven to be a key player from the start, but his future is about to change. The pressure from the market, with larger clubs circling him, makes his departure almost a certainty. President Frederico Varandas reached an understanding with the player to remain until the end of the 2025/2026 season, but discussions about a transfer – possibly in the region of 50 million euros – are already underway. Thus, his departure is just a matter of time.
On the other hand, Morita has also informed the management that he will not renew his contract. His dream of playing in the Premier League remains alive, and at 30 years old, this may be the last opportunity for the Japanese player, who has Leeds keeping an eye on him. His departure is, for all intents and purposes, a certainty.
As for incoming players, Sporting is on the lookout for a worthy replacement for Hjulmand, with the management already probing players with similar characteristics. João Simões and Daniel Bragança are guaranteed spots in midfield. The 19-year-old, who is in a phase of establishing himself, will have the opportunity to shine from the start of the season, especially after a long recovery from a serious injury.
Tactical changes are also on the horizon, with Pedro Gonçalves being moved from the left flank to the center of the field. The coaching staff believes that this new position will maximize his potential, allowing him to be closer to the striker, a position that Trincão has successfully occupied. Flávio Gonçalves, just 18 years old, is also projected for a central role, with his presence guaranteed in pre-season.
Meanwhile, the futures of Kochorashvili and Rayan Lucas are still uncertain. The Georgian, who joined the club last summer for 5.5 million euros, is still struggling to establish himself in the squad, while Lucas, who belongs to the B team, may see his promotion ambitions thwarted. Flamengo, which loaned Lucas to Sporting, has a purchase option of 4 million euros, which is being carefully evaluated by the management.
Sporting, therefore, faces a true test of endurance and adaptability in building its midfield. The decisions made in the coming weeks could shape the future of the team and their aspirations, both nationally and internationally. Fans are on edge, eager to see who will be called to wear the green and white jersey next season.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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