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Sporting Poaches Fonseca from Lyon Mid-Season
4 Nov
Summary
- Paulo Fonseca left Lyon to manage Sporting CP.
- Sporting paid €5 million in compensation to Lyon.
- Fonseca's move mid-season surprised Lyon.
Paulo Fonseca has officially been appointed as the new manager of Sporting CP, concluding his tenure at Lyon after over 18 months. The 53-year-old Portuguese coach returns to Portugal to lead the Lisbon club, replacing Rui Borges. Sporting initiated discussions to terminate Borges' contract recently, enabling Fonseca's immediate arrival.
Lyon expressed deep regret over Fonseca's unexpected mid-season decision, acknowledging receipt of a €5 million compensation fee. The French club was caught off guard by the timing of the departure, especially during a busy campaign. Jorge Maciel, Fonseca's former assistant, will take interim charge at Lyon while they search for a permanent replacement.
Fonseca joins Sporting with the team well-positioned in the Liga Portugal title race and currently sixth in the Champions League standings. He is expected to build on the club's continental momentum. Meanwhile, he departs a Lyon side that is third in Ligue 1 and 12th in the Europa League.
