Bournemouth defender Julio Soler was lined up for a possible move to Sporting this summer, according to claims from Portugal.
The Cherries player was identified as the Portuguese club’s alternative for the left side of defence. However, Sporting only intended to move for him if their deal for Moncef Zekri collapsed.
Portuguese outlet Leonino has revealed details on the situation. They explain Sporting had prepared more than one option after Ricardo Mangas left the club.
Bournemouth player was Sporting’s Plan B
Zekri was always Sporting’s preferred choice, but negotiations with KV Mechelen left them needing some insurance. That’s where Soler came in.
Leonino says the Bournemouth left-back was “the main alternative” and had already been identified by Sporting’s recruitment department.
His profile appealed to those making the decisions in Lisbon. They considered him a valid option to strengthen Rui Borges’ choices on the left. However, he would have represented a considerably bigger investment than the deal for Zekri, who cost Sporting €3m (£2.6m).
There’s no suggestion Bournemouth themselves had set that valuation or were asking for that amount.
Sporting ultimately didn’t need to find out. They completed the signing of Zekri and presented the Moroccan on Tuesday. He is expected to provide competition for Maxi Araújo.
Interest remains after January talks
Soler’s name being on Sporting’s list is also interesting given what happened earlier this year.
The Argentine came very close to leaving Bournemouth during the January window. Ajax and River Plate held talks over a move, while clubs in Brazil also showed interest.
None of those possibilities materialised, and Soler remained with the Cherries.
His situation hasn’t improved much since then. He has largely been left with Bournemouth’s reserves and appears to have little space in the first-team picture.
That could have made another exit this summer a realistic possibility. Sporting ultimately went elsewhere, so Bournemouth never had to make a decision on their interest.
Still, the Portuguese club adding Soler to their shortlist suggests the January attention hasn’t completely disappeared. Even while he’s been on the fringes at Bournemouth, clubs elsewhere are still keeping an eye on him.
