Sporting CP have reached an agreement with Lyon and Paulo Fonseca for the Portuguese manager to take over as head coach, replacing Rui Borges following a difficult start to the 2026/27 season.
The decision comes after a disappointing run of results, including consecutive home defeats to LASK Linz and Académico de Viseu, which left Sporting third in the Primeira Liga, nine points behind leaders FC Porto.
Despite a 2-0 victory over Casa Pia on Friday, the club’s hierarchy decided to pursue a managerial change, with Borges now negotiating the termination of his contract.
Sporting have also confirmed that discussions have begun to end Borges’ tenure, with Tiago Fernandes expected to take charge on an interim basis for Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Shakhtar Donetsk.
Fonseca, 53, leaves Lyon after agreeing to return to Portuguese football, with his Sporting debut expected against Moreirense on Saturday.
