In Vila do Conde, Deniz Gul faces a baptism of fire for Farioli | OneFootball

Deniz Gul’s future at FC Porto remains shrouded in doubt, at a time when the striker is being linked with a possible move to Galatasaray. The Turk could be the player from the national champions who reportedly told Francesco Farioli of his intention to leave the club this summer. However, for now, any departure is being held back by the limitations currently affecting Porto’s attack.

With Samu Aghehowa still recovering from a serious injury, which is expected to keep him out until mid-November, and André Silva being treated for the sprain he suffered against Alverca, the Turkish international is shaping up to start in Saturday’s away match against Rio Ave, in Vila do Conde.

As things stand, Deniz Gul is currently the only natural centre-forward available to Francesco Farioli. For that reason, any negotiations over the striker’s departure are, at least for now, on hold until the end of the match at the Estádio dos Arcos.

André Silva’s possible absence in Vila do Conde could also open the door for Mame Niang. The striker, signed this summer from HamKam, could be included in the squad for the second-round Primeira Liga match.

Under pressure amid the possible arrival of another striker

A likely start in Vila do Conde could represent one of Deniz Gul’s last chances to show that he deserves more opportunities at FC Porto and to rule out the possibility of leaving during this transfer window. At the same time, the match could also serve as a showcase for the Turk in front of Galatasaray, the club he has recently been linked with again.

FC Porto are still looking for a centre-forward, given the shortage of options in that area. It will be up to Deniz Gul to show that he can be a valid alternative to compete for a place with André Silva and Samu once he returns to the pitch, thus preventing the signing of another striker.

Santiago Giménez, the Mexican striker who apparently is not part of Ruben Amorim’s plans at AC Milan, has been linked with the Dragons. If that move progresses, it could signal the end of Deniz Gul’s spell at the Dragão.

Farioli highlighted his qualities

In the build-up to the match against Alverca, Francesco Farioli underlined Deniz Gul’s potential, although he admitted that the player is still not fully aware of his own abilities.

“Deniz still doesn’t really know how good he can become. He is very powerful and quick, technically gifted. He needs to find consistency and improve the way he connects with the game and contributes to the team. But his potential is immense. He likes to work and to improve. Since Samu got injured last season, he showed that he is capable of taking responsibility and was one of our key players in winning the league. Now it depends on him getting back into a position where he can help the team again,” said the Italian.

Deniz Gul joined FC Porto in the summer of 2024 from Hammarby for around €4.5 million. The fee could rise to €5 million depending on certain objectives being met. Despite the expectations surrounding his abilities, the striker has yet to show all the potential many believed he had.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.