Since taking over as Sporting Lisbon’s sporting director in 2018, Hugo Viana has quietly built an impressive legacy. Though his name may not be as instantly recognisable to casual football fans, his influence has been monumental. In just six years, Viana has helped guide Sporting to unprecedented success both on and off the pitch, steering the club out of a turbulent period and re-establishing them as a dominant force in Portuguese football. Now, as he prepares to take up a similar role at Manchester City, many are eager to see if he can replicate his magic in the Premier League.

When Viana took charge of Sporting’s sporting operations, the club was still reeling from a tumultuous period. Sporting had won just four trophies over the previous 16 seasons, and more troublingly, had failed to win the league during that time. Benfica and Porto had created an almost unshakeable duopoly in Portuguese football, and Sporting appeared to be slipping further behind. However, under Viana’s leadership, things quickly turned around.

Since 2018, Sporting have added six major trophies to their cabinet, including two Portuguese league titles in 2021 and 2022. These triumphs marked a significant shift in power in the Primeira Liga, with Sporting reasserting themselves as serious contenders. Key to this success was Viana’s careful squad-building strategy and his ability to bring in top-quality talent at affordable prices. He was the architect of Sporting’s rise, assembling a team capable of challenging their rivals while also securing financial stability.

Hugo Viana’s reputation as a shrewd negotiator has been earned through a series of clever signings and profitable sales. While many sporting directors around Europe are tasked with balancing the books, few can do it as effectively as Viana. Under his watch, Sporting’s transfer business has been nothing short of exceptional.

Take, for instance, the signings of Manuel Ugarte, Matheus Nunes, and Pedro Porro. Viana and his team acquired these players for a combined total of around €35 million (£29 million/$38 million). Not only did they become key players for Sporting on the pitch, but when it came time to sell, the club made a huge profit—more than quadrupling their investment.

Viana’s ability to identify undervalued talent is remarkable. But what’s even more impressive is his knack for selling players at the right time, maximising their value and ensuring the club remains financially healthy. His latest group of signings, including Viktor Gyökeres, Ousmane Diomande, and Morten Hjulmand, looks poised to bring further success both in terms of sporting achievement and potential future sales. Gyökeres, signed from Coventry City for €20 million, is already showing signs of becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.

Success in football isn’t just about signing the right players—it’s about creating the right environment for those players to thrive. At Sporting, Viana played a crucial role in fostering a culture of respect, transparency, and ambition. This was no small feat, considering the club’s turbulent history.

Before Viana’s arrival, Sporting was dealing with the fallout from a notorious incident in May 2018, when masked intruders attacked the club’s training ground. Several top players left the club in the aftermath, and morale was at an all-time low. Rebuilding the club’s reputation and creating a positive, forward-thinking atmosphere was a priority, and Viana was key to that process.

Ruben Amorim, the young coach who has worked closely with Viana since his appointment in 2020, has spoken frequently about Viana’s influence behind the scenes. “For me, Viana is indispensable,” Amorim once said, praising the sporting director’s calm leadership and steady presence. It’s not just Amorim who feels this way—many within the club have highlighted Viana’s ability to listen, support, and empower those around him. This strong, trusting relationship between the coach and the sporting director has been a cornerstone of Sporting’s recent success.

Viana’s leadership style is understated but effective. He doesn’t seek the limelight, instead focusing on quietly getting the job done. He’s regularly seen attending training sessions, building rapport with players and coaching staff. According to those who have worked with him, Viana is always present, approachable, and willing to discuss football matters in detail, making sure everyone feels part of the bigger picture.

Now, with Txiki Begiristain stepping down as Manchester City’s sporting director at the end of the season, Viana will soon take on a new challenge in the Premier League. For Viana, it’s something of a return to familiar ground. He joined Newcastle United as a player back in 2002 but struggled to make an impact in England at that time. Now, 23 years later, he returns to the Premier League, not as a player but as one of the most respected minds in European football.

Manchester City fans are eager to see what Viana can bring to the club. At City, Viana will have far greater financial resources at his disposal than he did at Sporting, but the pressure will be equally intense. City have been the dominant force in English football in recent years, but the challenge is not just to maintain their success—it’s to keep innovating and stay ahead of the competition, both domestically and in Europe.

Viana’s reputation as a “killer negotiator” is expected to serve him well at City. One notable example of his negotiating prowess came during the summer of 2023, when Sporting were vying for the signature of Viktor Gyökeres. Despite interest from several Premier League and Champions League clubs, Viana successfully convinced the Swedish striker to join Sporting in what was a record transfer for the club. If he can bring that same level of cunning and charm to Manchester, City fans will have plenty to be excited about.

One intriguing subplot to Viana’s move to Manchester City is the close relationship he has with Ruben Amorim. The two have worked hand in hand at Sporting, and many believe that Viana could look to bring Amorim with him to Manchester, particularly if Pep Guardiola decides to step down in the coming seasons. Amorim’s success at Sporting—winning the league title in his first full season—has not gone unnoticed, and he’s already been linked with top jobs across Europe.

Those who know Viana say that his loyalty to Amorim is undeniable. It wouldn’t be surprising to see City consider Amorim as a successor to Guardiola, especially if Viana is behind the scenes pulling the strings.

Viana’s departure will be a blow for Sporting Lisbon, but the club is in a far better place than when he first arrived. His careful planning and successful transfer strategies have left the club with a strong squad and a culture of success that should continue to bear fruit. Sporting’s fans may be sad to see him go, but they can be proud of the legacy he leaves behind.

As Viana steps into the limelight at Manchester City, all eyes will be on how he navigates the next chapter of his career. His time at Sporting has proven that he’s more than capable of thriving in high-pressure situations. Now, with the added resources and expectations of a Premier League giant, Viana is poised to take his reputation to even greater heights.