Hugo Viana Set to Take on New Role at Manchester City - Assumes Position of Sports Director

Manchester City has decided to appoint Hugo Viana as their new sporting director after sealing an agreement with him and his current team at Sporting following Begiristain'sevacuation, expected next year.

Upon realizing that 55-year-old Txiki Begiristain would be leaving the club after a decade in charge of sports management (12 years), City initiated an extensive hiring process for his replacement. Viana is known at Sporting for securing numerous young talents from across Europe, having contributed to two league championships during six seasons with them and has been credited with recruitments like Manuel Ugarte, Matheus Nunes, and Nuno Mendes while working there previously.

A former midfielder himself, Viana's career saw him win 29 caps for his country but post-retirement he shifted to a coaching role at Belenenses before returning as sporting director of Sporting—a position where Begiristain had already begun transition into. His upcoming transfer would commence in November when City faces off against them, with plans indicating Viana will first assist the current squad under his guidance for an extended period to ensure a smooth takeover once he officially takes over at 41 years old.