With the end of the January transfer window approaching, things are looking more likely for Tobias Figueiredo’s potential transfer to Leeds United to be left for the summer.
Yesterday, we covered a story from the Portuguese press saying Sporting would not sell the player in case they don’t have a replacement in their squad.
The club has already agreed Marcelo’s transfer from Rio Ave for the summer, and as they negotiate to anticipate his arrival, he would be the key man for Tobias’ departure.
But as reported by A Bola today, this possibility is looking unlikely. Rio Ave are not making it easy to let Marcelo go, with Sporting almost giving up on finding a deal, and probably waiting to get him for free in a few months.
That’s why even though Tobias is not highly rated at Sporting, he should stay and be the squad’s fourth option for the defense for the rest of the season.But there’s still some confidence that he will be off soon, and that could be good news for Leeds. The newspaper claims that the defender is still not liked by manager Jorge Jesus, so it’s very likely that he will be free to go once they have their replacement.
We’re not sure we buy this. The Portuguese press have been pushing Tobias’ departure for well over a month.
Leeds United have been the only interested party named, but the English club haven’t wanted to go anywhere near Sporting’s demands. It’s a lack of interest more than a lack of options which is blocking a deal, and that could see a late window transfer.
