Sporting Transfer Market: Pote's Al Ittihad Move Hinges on... Moussa Diaby

Saudi club Al Ittihad maintains a strong interest in Pedro Gonçalves, widely known as Pote. However, their final bid for the Portuguese international — valued between 25 and 30 million euros — hinges on the departure of a foreign player from their squad, a necessary condition to free up a roster spot.

The Saudi league imposes a limit on the number of foreign footballers over 21 years old (eight in the league and ten in domestic cups), compelling the club to offload one of the players currently occupying these slots.

Currently, the prime candidate for an exit from the squad, now managed by German Jens Wissing (formerly Roger Schmidt's assistant at Benfica), is French winger Moussa Diaby. Diaby was linked with Sporting earlier this Wednesday, but according to A BOLA's findings, he is not part of the Lions' plans.

Another possibility on the table is the release of Dutch international Steven Bergwijn, who has been plagued by persistent physical issues within the squad that, last season, was coached by Sérgio Conceição.

Once a spot becomes available, the PIF (the sovereign wealth fund controlling Al Ittihad) will release the necessary funds to finalize Pote's signing. Pote remains out of Rui Borges' selection options until his future is resolved, a situation mirrored by Daniel Bragança.