Paulo Fonseca set to replace Rui Borges as Sporting coach, Tiago Fernandes in charge in London

A deal for Paulo Fonseca

Sporting has reached an agreement with Paulo Fonseca and with Lyon, according to A BOLA as reported by SAPO, which clears the way for the Portuguese coach to take charge at Alvalade. Fonseca, 53, is under contract with Lyon until June 2027 and was presented by the French club in January 2025, so the move requires an arrangement between the two clubs. French press cited by SAPO says Lyon still owes Sporting about 5.5 million euros from the capital gain on Afonso Moreira's transfer to Bayer Leverkusen, a debt that could be part of the talks. Lyon signed Moreira for about 2 million euros in 2025 and sold him to Leverkusen for a figure close to 30 million. SAPO also puts Fonseca's salary at around 400,000 euros a month, a cost the club would not object to shedding.

Rui Borges's exit

Rui Borges is leaving Sporting after a run of poor results. The side fell nine points behind leader FC Porto after a defeat to Ac. Viseu, following a third draw in seven league games. Notícias ao Minuto reported that Borges was negotiating the termination of his contract, while A BOLA says an agreement has already been reached with the administration of the SAD. Tiago Fernandes, who is currently with the B team, is set to lead the side against Shakhtar Donetsk in London on Tuesday, 3 November, in the Champions League league phase. A BOLA adds that Borges will not even sit on the bench for that match.

Reaction inside Lyon

Reports circulating since the weekend say members of Fonseca's coaching staff have started removing their belongings from the lockers, a move the club is said to have received poorly. RTP notes that the French and Portuguese press describe this as a sign that a departure is near. French media have reported that Fonseca is unhappy with the club's sporting policy, and the squad faces a new wave of exits in January, with Tyler Morton, Noah Nartey, Khalis Merah and Pavel Sulc named as possible departures. Lyon had already lost Malick Fofana and Diego Alfonso last summer.

Lyon's win and the coach's words

On Sunday, 1 November, Lyon beat Angers 2-0 in matchday nine of Ligue 1, with goals from Nuamah in the 38th minute and Corentin Tolisso in the 86th. The result lifted Lyon to 17 points and third place, level with Paris FC and three points behind leader Paris Saint-Germain, after a 2-0 defeat to PSG in the previous round. After the final whistle Fonseca spoke to Ligue 1+ about his future and said he would be with the working group the following day. He also addressed a possible move to Sporting.

“Leaving for Sporting? It is a possibility.”

Tolisso, one of the most experienced players in the squad, said he had seen the reports but had not been told anything by the coach. He said he wanted the coach to stay.

“I hope he stays. We still have many good things to do.”

What comes next

Tiago Fernandes is expected to lead the team against Shakhtar on Tuesday, 3 November. Observador reports that Fonseca will be presented at Alvalade during the week, while RTP says his presentation will only take place after Sporting's Champions League match against Manchester United on 25 November. A BOLA reports that Fonseca's first match in charge is expected to be the home game against Moreirense on Saturday, 7 November, in matchday 11 of the league. The key dates are set out below.