Why Corinthians want Sporting’s forgotten man | OneFootball

Corinthians have intensified their push to sign forward Biel from Sporting, though his brief stint in Portugal has raised questions about his readiness to immediately impact the squad, according to Globo.

Biel, 24, arrived at Sporting at the start of the year after completing a record move from Bahia. Tasked with filling in for the injured Pedro Gonçalves, Biel managed only seven appearances for Sporting—just one as a starter, which came against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. He ended his six months in Lisbon without a goal, struggling to break into a side that went on to secure the league and cup double.

Two main factors contributed to his limited playing time: stiff competition for attacking spots and tactical decisions from manager Rui Borges. The Sporting boss preferred to rely on a front three of Gyokeres, Pedro Gonçalves, and Trincão—all crucial figures in the team’s successful campaign. Swedish striker Gyokeres, for instance, tallied 39 goals in 33 league matches, leaving little room for rotation.

Portuguese journalist Diogo Matos, speaking to Globo, observed that not only did Biel find himself behind established starters, but Sporting’s staff also turned to younger players from the club’s academy instead of the Brazilian winger—even when injuries created openings. Notably, Borges gave opportunities to 18-year-old Geovany Quenda in the attacking line ahead of Biel, raising further doubts about the Brazilian’s fit in the team.

Borges explained in March that Biel “is one of many solutions and is still adapting... It’s a question of strategy, of whether the game calls for Biel or not. He needs to understand some things, and as time goes on it’s all about tactical decisions.” These comments add context to the coaching staff’s frequent decisions to leave Biel out of the main squad rotation. Matos summarized the situation bluntly: “Biel didn’t get minutes and simply wasn’t able to impose himself. His exit now feels like the most natural outcome.”

Negotiations between Corinthians and Sporting are ongoing. While Biel has agreed to personal terms with the São Paulo club, Sporting are seeking around €7 million—essentially the sum paid to acquire the forward from Bahia in February. Corinthians, dealing with financial constraints, are attempting to negotiate a lower fee and more favorable payment structure to bring Biel in.

The move would give Biel a fresh chance to reignite his career after a challenging European chapter and allow Corinthians to reinforce their attacking line without overextending financially.

(Source: Globo)

Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images