Jesus building solid Sporting Lisbon side after Ruiz capture

Next season, Jesus will undoubtedly cause massive friction in the country (Portugal are 25/1 to win Euro 2016), but has arrived at a club which he holds personal connections to, with his father having played for Sporting in the 1940s.

O @Sporting_CP e o @FulhamFC chegaram a acordo para que @bryanruizcr represente o Sporting nas próximas 3 épocas. pic.twitter.com/CMU5ceMi7T

— Sporting CP (@Sporting_CP) July 7, 2015

Ruiz’s arrival at the Estadio Jose Alvalade is a step in the right direction for Jesus, who hopes to guide the Lions out of their recent domestic decline. In the last decade, the club have suffered a lack of success, winning just one league title since 2000, though former coach Marco Silva did secure their first trophy in seven years before departing for Olympiacos, with a Portuguese Cup coup.

As well adding the talents of Ruiz to his ranks, highly-driven Jesus has also stated that sought-after Portugal Under-21 midfield maestro William Carvalho will remain at the club.

“William has great value. He will grow here together with the team,” stated Jesus. “He is a footballer who has the characteristics to play more. I have no doubt he will do it with me.”

The 23-year-old made 30 league appearances for the Lions last term and has a further three years remaining on his current contract, though Sporting have been adamant that if they do sell, potential suitors must meet his €35m buy-out clause.

With Ruiz arriving and Carvalho’s services possibly being retained, Jesus will hope he can continue to build a Sporting squad capable of dethroning his former club Benfica at the summit of Portugal’s top-flight.