According to Iberian reports, 24-year-old midfielder Santiago Eze is on the list of possible replacements for Joao Palhinha at Sporting CP, should the club's main target not be signed. The reports state that Eze is considered a key player for Olympiacos. Olympiacos reportedly has no intention to discuss an offer below high economic standards and has set the price at 25 million euros. Separately, there are sources indicating that a high offer from abroad could change the situation.

Sporting Lisbon is considering Argentinian midfielder Santiago Hezze as a midfield alternative. The club is pursuing Hezze in case they are unsuccessful in their primary objective of re-signing João Palhinha. Hezze's current club, Olympiacos, is not expected to facilitate his departure, and other clubs like Juventus and VfB Stuttgart have also shown interest.