Sporting Lisbon’s football division (SAD) has officially confirmed the departure of Hugo Viana, their current sporting director, in an announcement made this Saturday. Viana is set to join Manchester City at the start of the 2025/2026 season, replacing the outgoing Txiki Begiristain, who has served as City’s director for the past 12 years.
Hugo Viana, who took on the role of Sporting’s sporting director in 2018/2019 following a brief tenure at Belenenses during the 2017/2018 season, has been a pivotal figure in Sporting’s recent success. His strategic moves in the transfer market and the club’s on-pitch achievements, especially since the appointment of Ruben Amorim as head coach, have drawn the attention of Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions.
Although an agreement has been reached between the two clubs, Viana will remain with Sporting until the end of the current season, ensuring a smooth transition to Manchester City.
Leadership Transition at Sporting
In conjunction with Viana’s departure, Sporting also announced a significant restructuring of their football operations. Bernardo Palmeiro, who served as the club’s executive advisor from 2020 to 2023, will step into the role of general manager of football for the 2025/2026 season. Palmeiro has worked closely with the club’s leadership and football department during his tenure, and in his new role, he will report directly to Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas, alongside Flávio Costa, the current scouting director.
Sporting’s Official Statement
In their press release, Sporting expressed their gratitude for Hugo Viana’s contributions, acknowledging his instrumental role in building a high-level professional football structure at the club. Sporting also reassured fans that Viana will continue to serve with full commitment until the conclusion of this season and will be actively involved in the handover process to the new organizational structure.
Sporting’s leadership remains focused on maintaining their momentum of growth and success, with the new structure under Bernardo Palmeiro and Flávio Costa poised to carry the club forward into the future.
Viana’s move to Manchester City marks the end of an era for Sporting, but it also signals a fresh chapter of leadership as the club prepares to build on the progress achieved in recent seasons.
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