Sporting are keen to sell players early in the transfer window and hopefully for overinflated fees. That means any possibility of a transfer will be grasped, and it’s not too hard to conclude that club officials are nervously feeding the Portuguese press.
Newcastle United fans have seen some of this over the past week, with a deal for Ruben Semedo stated as very close, and then his agent denying it. The Portuguese press were undeterred and have continued with their claims.
On Friday O Jogo explained there’s some kind of verbal agreement, but Sporting are keen for Newcastle to make everything official. They’re still waiting, report O Jogo on Saturday, with Sporting having written everything up on a €14m deal.
That’s been sent to Newcastle, with conditions including 80% ownership, and future sale rights. Of course, third party ownership is forbidden in English football, and there’s rules which are actually followed, so Newcastle would have to receive 100% ownership.
Whether Sporting kept 20% of a future transfer fee is another thing entirely.
O Jogo say Sporting ‘remain waiting’ for Newcastle to get back to them, and it’s pointed out there are ‘other options’ for Semedo, who is also waiting.
Lille are said to be keen, but in reality have only offered €7m, and after claims Southampton would trump Newcastle’s offer before the end of the week… nothing actually happened.
It’s not Newcastle’s problem that Sporting have once again found themselves in a financial predicament, and it’s not Newcastle’s problem that Sporting are trying to throw 
clauses in to satisfy the paranoia of president Bruno De Carvalho.
Rafael Benitez’s club hold the power right now. If Sporting want to sell Semedo very quickly, then less impatience and more flexibility could be needed.
