Nuno Encarnação: “FC Porto must keep Diogo Costa” | OneFootball

FC Porto have already begun preparing for the new season after winning the national title, and coach Francesco Farioli, in coordination with president André Villas-Boas, is defining the priorities for 2026/27. Amid reinforcements, possible departures and the need to consolidate the stability achieved last season, there is growing conviction that the attack is one of the areas set to receive investment.

Nuno Encarnação, an FC Porto supporter and Record columnist, agrees with the idea that the attack is one of the squad’s weaknesses.

“FC Porto must make rebuilding the attacking sector a priority, with more effective strikers, and should go into the market with that in mind,” he told Record. In addition to the need to strengthen the frontline, the Porto supporter also argues that the club should anticipate moves in the market, especially in the more sensitive positions within the squad.

“They should also anticipate the possible departure of one or two players, especially in midfield, and prepare for those possibilities,” he explained, admitting that the summer could bring changes in key areas of the team.

Even so, Nuno Encarnação does not see urgency in every position, such as on the left side of defence, where he believes Zaidu and Francisco Moura have provided the necessary assurances. “If either of them leaves, obviously FC Porto should go into the market and try to find even better players. But, all things considered, these players have fulfilled their role. Anything that can improve the quality in this position will be welcome, but I do not want to point the finger at the left side of defence,” he said.

However, he maintains that the central attacking area remains the real critical point in building the squad: “The priority right now is clearly the centre of the attack and the strikers, especially in terms of finishing efficiency,” he stressed.

Despite the expectation surrounding possible reinforcements, Nuno Encarnação believes that FC Porto’s biggest “market coup” could in fact be keeping one of the central figures of the title-winning squad. For the commentator, keeping Diogo Costa at the Dragão would be the equivalent of a hugely impactful signing for the new season. “The biggest signing FC Porto must make is keeping Diogo Costa,” he said without hesitation, considering that the Portuguese international goalkeeper was decisive in winning the league title and has become a structural pillar of the team. “He has been fundamental in building this unbeatable defence and in securing several points so that FC Porto remain champions,” he highlighted.

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