With the transfer window over, managers are reflecting on their squads, leading to one Champions League boss admitting he failed in a raid on Nottingham Forest this summer.
Anthony Elanga’s move to Newcastle United was Forest’s biggest sale of the summer, with the Reds receiving £55m for the Swedish star’s services.
Alongside Elanga, Danilo moved to Botafogo while the likes of Ramon Sosa and Andrew Omobamidele also departed to give Forest a sizeable transfer kitty to improve the squad.
However, another player who left the City Ground this summer missed out on a Champions League transfer, with the manager who missed out on the signing now reflecting on the frustrating summer.
Sporting manager breaks silence on Jota Silva saga
One of the most remarkable sagas on transfer deadline day was Jota Silva’s collapsed move to Sporting in Portugal, with the winger now making a move to Turkey with Besiktas.
It’s no secret that the Portuguese winger was heavily fancied for a move back to his home nation, though, with Sporting boss Rui Borges discussing the failed transfer with Mais Futebol.
He said: “Since the end of last season, we had identified what we wanted for each position. Within the dialogue between the structure and the coach, it was very clear what the objective was with Jota.
“Unfortunately, there are two sides: Sporting and Nottingham. For everything that was the rush… unfortunately we couldn’t get it done. de. Of course I was sad, more so for the athlete, because he is someone I like a lot and I believe he would have helped us.”
Sporting may miss out on Jota altogether, with Besiktas now in the driving seat should they want to make his loan move permanent.
Besiktas have a permanent option to sign Jota Silva
Jota made his move to Besiktas after the transfer window closed in England, giving him the opportunity for more first-team football after the Reds strengthened over the summer.
The move is only a loan to begin with, but Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Turkish side do have the opportunity to make the move permanent.
Romano confirmed that the loan can be turned into a permanent deal should certain criteria be met during his time in Turkey.
Therefore, if the Portuguese attacker hits the ground running at Besiktas, Sporting may see their summer target remain out of reach for good.
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