Porto the right move for Kiwior, a safe switch awaits | OneFootball

Confirmed as a reinforcement for FC Porto on the last day of the transfer market, Kiwior – whose career includes a stint at Arsenal – followed an unusual path to reach the Dragão. He stood out in Slovak football between Podbrezová and Žilina, then moved to Spezia in Italy, and only later joined the Gunners. At 25, this Polish international saw his role diminish at the London club after participating in 68 matches under Arteta's command over three seasons. The reunion with Bednarek, already a target of FC Porto's attention, was realized through a loan with an option to buy.

Those who represent Arsenal usually need no introduction, but Kiwior's assertion at the senior level in Slovakia sparked interest, especially during his time at Žilina between 2019 and 2022. It was there that he consolidated his value before heading to Calcio, invited by Spezia. Pavol Stano, currently back at Žilina, followed this evolution and praises the qualities of the new defensive reinforcement for the blue and whites.

“Kiwior stood out for being very hardworking, with great ethics. In every training session, he was one hundred percent focused. During his time with us, we were the team with the lowest average age in European competitions, and yet he became our silent leader,” praises Pavol Stano, reflecting on the impact of the Pole at 20 years old. “We realized he had great potential to reach one of the top five leagues, but his success was very rapid, and when he arrived at Arsenal, we were pleasantly surprised,” he recounted.

The Slovak coach also highlighted the player's evolution and maturity: he considered that FC Porto is hiring a central defender but emphasized that, due to his experience, Kiwior can also play as a left-back when necessary. He highlighted the rapid progress the defender made, describing him as an athlete naturally inclined to think offensively, which increases his usefulness on the left flank. Stano emphasized that the player's main goal is to compete more and have a greater presence on the field, seeing FC Porto as the right choice to ensure this continuity. He also joked with a personal memory about the clash between his Artmedia and FC Porto during Co Adriaanse's time, before concluding: “Having played in the Champions League against FC Porto, I know Kiwior will love the club, the stadium, and the city.”

Bednarek and Kiwior, the latest signings for the Dragons, are integrating into an environment conducive to absorbing the blue and white mystique, having the opportunity to work with Jozef Mlynarczyk, the legendary FC Porto goalkeeper who was a European champion in 1987. A reference figure also in the history of the Polish national team – having guarded the goal in the 1982 and 1986 World Cups – Mlynarczyk recently returned to activity in his country and assumes a role as an ambassador, linking great moments of Poland and FC Porto to the two Porto defenders.

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