Pedro Gonçalves is expected to end his five-year spell at Sporting CP this week, with several Saudi Pro League clubs competing to sign the Portugal international.
The 27-year-old attacker has reportedly decided to leave Alvalade despite signing a contract extension until 2030 less than a year ago, bringing an end to one of the most successful spells of his career.
Saudi clubs leading the race for Pedro Gonçalves
According to reports in Portugal, super-agent Jorge Mendes has taken charge of Gonçalves' transfer and is overseeing negotiations with interested clubs from Saudi Arabia.
Al Diriyah, now managed by former Benfica and Wolves boss Bruno Lage, are believed to be leading the race. Al Ittihad are also credited with strong interest, while two other Saudi Pro League clubs are monitoring the situation.
Sporting are expected to receive between €20 million and €30 million for the versatile forward, with a deal potentially being completed before the end of the week.
Sporting continue major squad rebuild
Gonçalves' expected departure follows the recent exits of Morten Hjulmand and Francisco Trincão, meaning Sporting are preparing for a significant overhaul after another successful period.
Hjulmand completed his move to Atletico Madrid in a deal worth an initial €40 million plus bonuses, while Trincão joined Al Ahli for a similar fee.
Combined with the anticipated sale of Gonçalves, Sporting could generate around €100 million from the departures of three of their most influential players this summer.
Aston Villa were previously turned away
Gonçalves has attracted Premier League interest on several occasions during his Sporting career.
Among the clubs to test Sporting's resolve was Aston Villa, who reportedly saw a proposal worth around €40 million rejected while the Portugal international was at the peak of his value.
Bayer Leverkusen also failed with an offer of approximately €30 million, as Sporting consistently resisted approaches from Europe's top leagues.
The club's stance has now softened, with both parties recognising that the time is right for a new challenge.
A memorable Sporting career
Signed from Famalicão ahead of the 2020/21 campaign, Gonçalves quickly established himself as one of the Portuguese league’s outstanding attacking players.
| Pedro Gonçalves at Sporting | Record |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 239 |
| Goals | 97 |
| Assists | 66 |
| League titles | 3 |
His breakthrough campaign saw him finish as the Primeira Liga’s top scorer with 23 goals, helping Sporting secure their first league title under Ruben Amorim. Over the following years, he added further league championships, a Portuguese Cup, two League Cups and a Super Cup to his honours list.
What's next?
Unless negotiations take an unexpected turn, Gonçalves is expected to complete his move to Saudi Arabia in the coming days. Sporting will then accelerate plans to reshape their attack, with several new arrivals already secured as the club prepares for another title challenge.
The departure of one of the club's modern greats also marks the end of an era, with Sporting now placing their faith in a new generation of talent.
Will Pedro Gonçalves be remembered as one of Sporting's greatest modern players, or should the club have done more to keep him in Portugal?
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