Sporting Transfer Market: Altimira for Under €20M. New Bid for Spaniard Imminent

Sporting isn't just keeping Sergi Altimira on their radar; they're actively planning a fresh bid to bring the Spanish midfielder from Real Betis to Alvalade. The 24-year-old is once again a prime target for the Lions, who aim to revamp their midfield for the upcoming season. In the race for the central midfielder, Sporting has reportedly overtaken RB Leipzig and has already convinced Altimira of their project. So much so, A BOLA understands, that the player is eagerly awaiting a new proposal next week.

Altimira was one of the first midfielders identified by Sporting and quickly made it onto their shortlist of reinforcements for the midfield. This list, though restricted, is more extensive than usual given the anticipated departures in the sector (Hjulmand, Morita, Kochorashvili, and Daniel Bragança), necessitating several new arrivals, three of which have already been confirmed (Issa Doumbia, Pedro Lima, and Silas Andersen). Altimira's pursuit gained momentum in April, waned in May, and is now picking up pace again in June, with Sporting back in the hunt.

A previous offer of €14 million plus €3 million in performance-based bonuses was rejected by Betis, who were holding out for €25 million. Sporting remained patient and could now benefit from the pressure on the Andalusian club to sell the player's rights by the end of the month, allowing the transaction to be included in their 2025/2026 financial year. Alvalade is preparing a new offer, and reports from Spain suggest Betis is now targeting €20 million. However, the deal could potentially be structured for a lower initial outlay, with variables tied to objectives to be settled later.

The exact formula is still being finalized, but it will naturally involve a higher fixed fee than the €14 million offered in April. Significant developments in this dossier are expected next week.

The midfielder is reportedly keen on Sporting's project, which offers him a direct entry into the UEFA Champions League group stage, similar to RB Leipzig. However, Sporting provides stronger assurances of competing for titles. It's worth noting that the German club's sporting director, Marcel Schäfer, recently met with Altimira's representatives but did not follow up with an official bid.

Sporting has surpassed the Germans in this race; the question remains whether they will cross the finish line first. For the player, a five-year contract awaits, featuring an €80 million release clause, a standard figure for Sporting's midfielders and forwards.

For the midfield, Sporting has already confirmed the signings of Issa Doumbia, Pedro Lima, and Silas Andersen. In addition to Altimira, a more positional midfielder, they are also looking for another number six, with João Palhinha being a major target, a matter expected to accelerate next week.

Returning to Altimira, important news from Spain indicates that the midfielder, who renewed his contract last year until 2029, is entitled to 15 percent of any future sale, a factor Sporting will also need to consider.

Last summer, Altimira attracted interest, particularly from Germany – not only RB Leipzig but also Eintracht Frankfurt and Stuttgart. However, at this moment, it is Sporting that most appeals to the player and is actively negotiating with Betis.