Ricardo Mangas landed in Lisbon late Monday night. He’s here to join Sporting, and the buzz is palpable. The full-back, previously with Spartak Moscow, has a four-year contract waiting for him. Today, Tuesday, he will undergo medical checks. After that, he’ll officially put pen to paper.
The airport was quiet, almost into Tuesday morning, when Mangas arrived. He didn’t say much, but his few words spoke volumes. “I am very happy, very, very happy!” he told reporters. You could feel his excitement. He’s back in familiar territory, ready for a new challenge.
This move wasn’t just a random transfer. Sporting’s coach, Rui Borges, specifically asked for Mangas. Borges knows him well. They worked together before, at Mirandela and Vitória de Guimarães. That history means the coach trusts Mangas’s skills.
The 27-year-old will cost Sporting 300,000 euros. This fee could go up based on how he plays. He’s seen as a possible replacement for Matheus Reis. This means big shoes to fill, but also a chance to shine.
Today is a busy day for Mangas. He’ll have his medical exams at Sporting’s Alvalade facilities. Then come the official photos, wearing the green and white jersey. There will also be videos to make. He’ll sign that four-year deal, officially ending his time at Spartak Moscow. He only joined them in the summer of 2024, after leaving Vitória. And who was his coach at Vitória? Rui Borges, of course. Funny how football works sometimes.
Beyond the field, there’s more good news for Mangas. He’s also expecting to become a father soon. So, it’s a double homecoming: back to Portugal and starting a new chapter personally. He’ll meet his new teammates and get to know the Academy today. A new start, both professionally and personally, is clearly on the horizon.
Arrival Photos: Ricardo Mangas Joins Sporting
