Ex-Benfica boss questions Ioannidis move to Sporting: He’s not ready | OneFootball

Rui Vitória refuses to comment on the highly likely transfer of Fotis Ioannidis to Sporting. After the Samsunspor – Panathinaikos Conference League match and after the player himself commented on the matter, the former Benfica coach stated that negotiations between the clubs are not yet finalized.

“In this specific case, I don't want to talk about Ioannidis because I don't like discussing things that aren't finalized,” said Rui Vitória, questioning whether the deal between Sporting and Panathinaikos for the striker is closed. However, it seems that the transfer is indeed going to happen.

“In general, I can say that we made the transfers we wanted and I am very satisfied with the young players who have arrived. Everyone wants to play at the highest level and win titles. I believe that at this moment I can make two very high-quality elevens,” concluded Rui Vitória, expressing his satisfaction with the players at his disposal.

Regarding Fotis Ioannidis, Sporting is expected to pay around 22 million euros fixed, plus 3 million based on the achievement of certain individual and collective objectives. The club also leaves a percentage of a future significant capital gain in the hands of Panathinaikos.

In the last 2024/25 season, while playing for Panathinaikos, Fotis Ioannidis - valued at 15 million euros - had numbers below expectations. In 42 matches played, the forward scored 11 times and provided two assists. This season, he has played four games without any goal contributions so far.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.