Altimira Arrives in Lisbon to Bolster Sporting!

Sergi Altimira has arrived, becoming Sporting's fifth reinforcement for the 2026/2027 season, and the fourth for a midfield undergoing significant changes. Indeed, one could call it a revolution. The 24-year-old Spaniard landed in Lisbon on Sunday night. This Monday, he will undergo the customary medical examinations, sign a five-year contract valid until 2031, and be officially announced. By Wednesday, he'll be training with his new teammates as the Lions' pre-season kicks off.

It was 10:15 PM when Sergi Altimira emerged in the arrivals area of Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, having flown from Barcelona. The Catalan had been on holiday in his hometown of Cardedeu, a municipality in the comarca of Vallès Oriental, 40 kilometers from the Catalan capital. Now, it's time to return to work with a new club, in a new country, and a new league.

The Catalan's schedule for the coming days is set. Monday and Tuesday will be a whirlwind of activity, including medical tests, contractual paperwork, and the official signing. Following this, his unveiling will be broadcast via Sporting's usual video production, which always generates considerable excitement among fans and club members.

On Wednesday, the club's 120th anniversary, pre-season training begins, marking the Spaniard's first contact with his new teammates. Many players will be absent, however, as they are, or recently were, on international duty at the World Cup. Nevertheless, it will be an opportunity to integrate and work with those already at the Cristiano Ronaldo Academy in Alcochete, including, of course, Rui Borges. This period will be crucial for him to start absorbing the coach's tactical ideas.

Sergi Altimira was the chosen option for the number six role, a position that will be vacated by captain Morten Hjulmand. He arrives at Alvalade from Betis, with Sporting paying €18 million, plus a potential €2 million in performance-related bonuses, for 100 percent of his economic rights. The Catalan's contract includes an €80 million release clause, and he will receive 15 percent (€2.7 million) of the fee Betis collects, a right he secured when Getafe sold his rights to the Seville club for just €2 million in 2023.

The Lions had considered bringing back João Palhinha for the number six position, but a deal with Bayern proved too complicated. They then decided to push ahead with the Spanish midfielder, who, despite interest from RB Leipzig, was swayed by Sporting's project, which offers him the chance to play in the Champions League and compete for titles.

Sporting's midfield will also see the departures of Morita, Kochorashvili, and Daniel Bragança. But while Altimira is arriving, three other players have already signed: Silas Andersen, a Danish number six for whom the Lions paid €7.25 million to Swedish club Hacken; Issa Doumbia, acquired from Venezia for €20 million; and Pedro Lima, who cost €4 million from Aves SAD. The midfield overhaul is thus well underway, with attention now turning to finding new clubs for Hjulmand, Bragança, and Kochorashvili.

Altimira's signing concludes the current wave of acquisitions... now, the focus shifts to player departures before further purchases. Two wingers are on the radar: Yeremay from Coruña and another more affordable option to replace Faye. Additionally, Zalazar has already been signed for the attack from SC Braga for €30 million.

Story being updated