What happened to Sporting and Douglas Augusto

When the then-newcomer to the PAOK bench, Abel Ferreira, urgently asked for Joao Palinias as his first choice at the top of the bicep in the summer of 2019, he certainly would not expect his development to be the first and second, even indirectly, he always would be still involved with PAOK.

Then on loan from Sporting to Braga, the Portuguese international midfielder – hence his association with Ferreira – is now an irreplaceable member of the ‘Lions’ who represent half of European football.

Palinias’ concession last January was self-evident. It didn’t happen and it was postponed until next summer. And not with… whatever, but Sporting to claim the amount of his clause for his concession, ie 60 million euros.

Significant is the – already intensive – preparation of Sporting for his successor. Again, PAOK enters the equation as reports over the past few days have shown Douglas Augusto in the Portuguese club’s crosshairs.

the Sportish can know that PAOK was indeed hit by Sporting. His purpose is to convey to the ‘Lions’ the Greek Cup winners’ demands on the Brazilian midfielder. The answer was given despite not exceeding the said amount, but since then there hasn’t been the slightest follow-up from the Portuguese club. And as it is estimated, it will hardly exist.

On the one hand, because the amount demanded was probably considered excessive – especially for a footballer who is entering his last year of contract in the summer (it has not yet been clarified whether, what and when PAOK will take action against it, i.e. it may seek an extension or in a Augusto’s sale process will occur as the Brazilian obviously has a purchase), on the other hand for competitive reasons.

Sporting are primarily looking for a footballer with similar physical characteristics to Palinia, for example a height of 1.90 (Augusto is 1.73). In this context, Egyptian Almoat Al Musrati from Braga would fit – that’s why he was singled out – but it’s a very difficult case, both in terms of negotiations with the “Arsenalists” (relationships between the two teams are not good ) and on level of competition.

Secondly, in Augusto’s physique and fitness for use, Sporting are counting on 20-year-old Uruguayan Manuel Ugarte, who is making big impressions – and lots of them – in his first year at ‘Alvalade’. Therefore, it will be difficult for him to enter the process of supporting the Latin American, which is widespread in Lisbon, while the greatest need does not concern a footballer with such qualities.

In any case, the fact is that Sporting asked about August. The response he received is estimated that he was not satisfied since absolutely no follow-up has taken place after the concrete impact. And the possibility that from now on there will be one, at least in PAOK, they do not consider the most widespread.