Hugo Viana is not expected to bring forward his start date at Manchester City after his departure from Sporting was confirmed.
The Blues announced back in October that the 42-year-old would succeed Txiki Begiristain as sporting director, and would begin to start working in collaboration after the winter transfer window.
Begiristain will still be leading City's recruitment until after the Club World Cup, but it was thought that a handover process would allow for a smoother transition as the club try to replace a man who has been integral to their success for the past 13 years.
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Viana was clocked with Begiristain in Manchester last month and his influence has been spotted in some of City's work in the January window. Palmeiras's president talked up his relationship with Viana over defender Vitor Reis, while Abdukodir Khusanov was also seen as a player more likely to be on Sporting's radar than City's.
Sporting confirmed Viana's departure on Monday, with a club statement starting: "Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD informs that Hugo Viana requested his departure from the Club to be brought forward, initially scheduled for the end of the current sporting season. Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD further informs that, taking into account the arguments presented and by mutual understanding, the sporting director of Sporting CP ceased his duties after the closure of the winter market."
That frees Viana up to spend more time on his next job, and he will likely be seen more at the Etihad and in Manchester over the coming months as he prepares for his new role. However, despite leaving Sporting earlier than they expected he won't be joining City earlier than they planned as Begiristain continues to head up operations for the rest of the season.
