SAD have until next week to decide on Luuk de Jong’s renewal option | OneFootball

The ‘D-day’ has been set for Luuk de Jong. The striker, according to Francesco Farioli, after FC Porto’s victory in Tondela (2-0) on Sunday, will not play again this season due to a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. On Tuesday, a final decision will be made regarding whether or not the Dutch international will undergo surgery. At this moment, surgery is the most likely option, but the final medical decision will only be known in the coming hours, after a joint evaluation by the player, the medical department, the coaching staff, and the blue and white board.

The alternative to surgery would be conservative treatment, which would also require time. However, given Luuk’s age of 35, everything points to opting for surgery, with the aim of definitively repairing the left knee injury and strengthening its stability, reducing the likelihood of relapses during recovery.

De Jong’s case also raises questions about his future and continued presence at FC Porto. The striker’s contract runs until the end of 2025/26, but when it was signed at the beginning of August, a clause was included for an optional extra year. A BOLA has learned that FC Porto’s board has not yet commented on renewing the number 26’s contract, having until next week to make a decision.

Several factors will weigh in the decision: on one hand, De Jong brings valuable experience to Farioli’s squad; on the other, the delicacy of the injury, the player’s age, and the salary impact could strongly influence the Dragons’ final decision.

Even if the veteran Dutchman does not continue in blue and white beyond this season, he will remain a relevant presence behind the scenes at the club, thanks to the international experience he has accumulated over more than a decade at clubs such as Newcastle, PSV, Sevilla, and Barcelona, among others. “Luuk always finds ways to help, with his leadership and character. He will stay with us, he will be close to us, and we need him, not only as a player but also as a leader. He will help the

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