Transfer market: André Villas-Boas gave Farioli all he needed | OneFootball

The national champions set three priorities for this transfer window: strengthen the left-back position, offset Samu’s prolonged absence with more attacking alternatives, and increase the options in midfield, with a more demanding season in mind, marked by the return to the Champions League. Participation in Europe’s top competition leaves less room to rotate the squad than in the previous campaign, when the Europa League and the domestic league were essentially the main objectives.

Unless there is a twist before the close of the window, FC Porto have carried out the plan they set without losing the team’s main figures. Diogo Costa is one of them, after once again taking on a decisive role in goal and producing displays capable of attracting the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs. However, those sides do not seem willing to pay high fees for a goalkeeper.

Zaidu’s injury, at Fontelo, came at a time when Francisco Moura’s departure seemed to be the only reason to move quickly for a new signing. In the meantime, the club completed the signing of Souza, a player who had already been linked with FC Porto for some time. The deal reinforces the idea that patience can prove decisive during a long transfer window.

Up front, André Silva emerged as an appealing opportunity for a club accustomed to bringing back players developed at or previously connected to the club, especially when they are looking to revive their careers. His arrival came alongside the expected departure of Deniz Gul. The Portugal international has shown good chemistry with his teammates in attacking moves, although the greater responsibility for decisive goals still belongs to Santiago Gimenez. The striker has the ability to take on that role, but he needs to return to the level he failed to show at Milan.

Fofana returned to the club for the midfield, a move that left Farioli and the fans particularly pleased after the importance the player had last season. Inbeom brought different qualities and another option for the coach. Froholdt remained in the squad, Gabri Veiga started the season in great form, trying to make up for Mora’s departure, and Alan Varela and Pablo Rosario have shared the number six role naturally.

On the wings, the main options are still available, although the absence of Pietuszewski, among others, has raised doubts about the creativity on hand. It was in that context that Gabriel Mec appeared, with the aim of broadening the range of options.

The overall assessment, without exorbitant spending, points to an apparently stronger squad. The final verdict, however, will belong to the pitch, where the effectiveness of each decision will be shown. For now, the pieces seem to fit together.

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