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bruno Lage Set to Manage benfica Following Recent Dismissal from Sporting CP

Lisbon, Portugal – December 22, 2023 – Former Sporting Clube de Portugal manager Bruno Lage is poised to take the helm at rival club Sport Lisboa e Benfica, according to multiple sources. This appointment follows Lage’s recent departure from Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia and Benfica’s search for a permanent successor to Roger Schmidt, who was relieved of his duties on December 19, 2023.

Lage,48,previously managed Sporting CP from 2019 to 2021,leading the team to a Portuguese Cup victory in 2020 – their frist major trophy in four years.His tenure at Sporting was marked by a focus on attacking football and developing young talent,including players like Nuno Mendes and João Palhinha,who have since moved to prominent European leagues.

His move to Benfica represents a meaningful shift in the Portuguese football landscape. The rivalry between Sporting and Benfica is one of the most intense in the country, and Lage’s transition to managing the Eagles is expected to generate considerable media attention and fan reaction. Benfica currently sits in 4th place in the Primeira Liga with 34 points after 14 matches, trailing league leaders Sporting CP by 5 points.

Prior to his time at Sporting, Lage served as an assistant manager to Jorge Jesus at Benfica from 2018 to 2019. This prior experience with the club could facilitate a smoother integration into the Benfica structure. his subsequent stint at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League,lasting from 2021 to 2022,provided him with experience in a different footballing environment.

Benfica’s interim manager, Nelson Veríssimo, will continue to oversee the team until Lage’s official appointment, which is anticipated to be finalized in the coming days. The club is currently preparing for a crucial period, including upcoming matches in the Primeira Liga and potential participation in the UEFA Champions league knockout stages, depending on the outcome of their group stage results. Benfica finished 2nd in Group D behind Red Bull Salzburg.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has also been closely monitoring the situation, as the managerial changes at both Sporting and Benfica have implications for the national team dynamics ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament, which will be held in Germany. The Estádio Algarve is slated to host several matches during the tournament.

Lage’s arrival at Benfica is expected to bring a renewed focus on tactical versatility and player progress, possibly reshaping the competitive balance within Portuguese football. The appointment is viewed by many analysts as a bold move by Benfica’s board, aiming to regain their dominance in the Primeira Liga and challenge for European honors.

Addressing Striking Shortcomings

The acquisition ends years of frustration for **Arteta** and the Arsenal fanbase, who have missed out on top striker targets repeatedly. The club has struggled to adequately replace the attacking output of **Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang** and **Alexandre Lacazette**, who departed over three years ago.

Gyökeres’ impressive record of 68 league goals in two seasons for Sporting, alongside 11 European strikes, offers significant optimism that Arsenal’s frontline can return to its previous formidable standards. In the 2023-24 season, **Gyökeres** averaged a goal every 77 minutes in the Portuguese league. (Record, 2024)

More Attacking Reinforcements Expected

The arrival of **Gyökeres** is not anticipated to be the sole attacking reinforcement this summer. Reports suggest a deal for Chelsea winger **Noni Madueke** is also nearing completion, pending a medical, while interest in **Eberechi Eze** and Rodrygo remains.

A Familiar Terrain for Gyökeres

This move will see **Gyökeres** return to English football. He previously spent three years with Brighton & Hove Albion, featuring on loan at Swansea City and Coventry City before making his move to Sporting permanent.

Deal Salvaged After Ultimatum

Just days prior to the agreement, Arsenal’s pursuit of **Gyökeres** faced a significant hurdle. Sporting president **Frederico Varandas** issued an ultimatum to the North London club, stating they must meet their valuation or the deal would collapse.

“We’re calm. Everything can be solved with the closure of the market, a heavy fine and an apology to the group. If they [Arsenal] don’t want to pay Viktor’s fair market value, we’ll be very comfortable with that for the next three years. If the geniuses who are devising this strategy think that this puts pressure on me to make it easier for him to leave, not only are they completely wrong, but they are also making it more complicated for the player to leave. No one is above the interests of the club. Whoever they are.”

—Frederico Varandas, Sporting CP President

Ultimately, it was **Gyökeres’** agent, **Hasan Cetinkaya**, who brokered a resolution. The agent agreed to a reduced commission on the transfer fee, enabling Arsenal to structure a deal closer to Sporting’s original demands and ensuring the Portuguese club receives its desired financial package.