SPORTING CP CLOSE IN ON JANUARY COUP: JOTA SILVA SET FOR ALVALADE SWITCH
Exclusive: Lions in advanced talks with Vitória SC for Portuguese forward in deal worth up to €12 million.
LISBON, December 30, 2024 – Sporting Clube de Portugal is on the verge of securing its first major signing of the January transfer window. According to sources close to the negotiations, the club is in advanced talks with Vitória de Guimarães for the acquisition of Portuguese international forward Jota Silva.
The deal, which has progressed rapidly in recent days, is reported to be in the final stages of structuring. Sporting is prepared to pay a transfer fee in the region of €10 to €12 million to secure the 24-year-old’s services, with the announcement potentially coming in the first week of the January window.
Jota Silva, who can operate across the front three but is most effective on the right wing, has been one of the standout performers in the Liga Portugal this season. His versatility, direct dribbling, and eye for goal—he has contributed to 12 goals (8 goals, 4 assists) in all competitions this term—have made him a prime target for Sporting’s recruitment department.
Strategic Signing for Amorim’s Squad
This move is seen as a strategic piece of business by Sporting’s management and coach Rúben Amorim. The primary objective is to provide quality depth and competition for Marcus Edwards, the English winger who has been a crucial but often sole option on the right flank. The potential arrival of Jota Silva would not only offer a reliable rotation option but also a different tactical profile, allowing Amorim greater flexibility in his 3-4-3 system.
Crucially, club insiders stress that this signing is not a precursor to Edwards’ departure. On the contrary, Sporting’s board has repeatedly labeled Edwards as “untouchable” for the January market, despite persistent interest from English clubs. The message is clear: Jota Silva is coming to complement, not replace, strengthening the squad for a demanding second half of the season where the Lions remain alive on three fronts—the Liga Portugal title race, the Taça de Portugal, and the Europa League knockout stages.
A Proven Liga Portugal Performer
Having risen through the ranks at Vitória, Jota Silva knows the league intimately and requires no adaptation period—a factor highly valued by Amorim. His energetic style and work rate align with the high-pressing, intense football championed at Alvalade. For the player, the opportunity to compete for trophies and potentially feature in European competition is a significant step forward in his career.
With the winter break underway, Sporting hopes to finalize the deal swiftly, allowing Jota Silva to integrate with the squad as they prepare for the league restart against Portimonense on January 4 and the crucial European knockout tie with FC Midtjylland next month.
When contacted for comment, Sporting CP’s official line remained: “We do not comment on market rumours until deals are fully concluded.”
