The Uruguayan goalkeeper signs in the summer transfer market

Franco Israel has been signed by Sporting Clube de Portugal on a five-year contract, joining with a buyout clause of 45 million euros.

The Uruguayan goalkeeper arrives at the club after four seasons with Italian side Juventus FC. He was presented on Tuesday afternoon, in an event that was also attended by club president Frederico Varandas.

"I'm very happy to be here. This is one of the biggest clubs in Portugal and I'm looking forward to starting training with my teammates and playing," he told Sporting CP media.

His interview was interrupted by a call from one such teammate: fellow countryman Manuel Ugarte, with whom he played in the Uruguayan Under-20s side. Israel revealed that he spoke with his friend "from the first moment" that the opportunity to strengthen Sporting CP arose.

In Lisbon, the goalkeeper will be captained by another compatriot: Sebastián Coates.

"I didn't know Seba [Coates] personally, but I also spoke to him," he said, before commenting on what it will be like alongside the experienced Antonio Adán: "Working with [Antonio] Adán means working with one of the best Spanish goalkeepers, someone who played for Real Madrid CF and Atletico Madrid and who has been doing very well at Sporting CP. For me, working with a goalkeeper of his level helps me a lot. It's very important."

"I come here with great enthusiasm and I will give everything every day to win trophies. I know the importance of the club", he guaranteed.

In 2021/2022, Franco Israel was the starting goalkeeper for Juventus FC's Under-23 team, playing 38 matches. He was also named on the substitutes' bench for the first team. He has also featured for Club Nacional de Football, one of Uruguay's most prominent teams, and been capped at Under-17 and Under-20 level.