Champions FC Porto plan attacking 'revamp' | OneFootball

Having secured the season’s main objective by winning the 31st national title, FC Porto have already turned their attention to the future and are working on planning next season, in which they aim to fight for back-to-back league titles without losing sight of a positive UEFA Champions League campaign, in the Dragons’ first appearance in the competition’s new format. With only two matches still to be played this season — away to Aves SAD on Sunday and at home to Santa Clara on the 16th — the SAD chaired by André Villas-Boas, in coordination with Francesco Farioli, has already begun shaping the squad for 2026/2027, with the aim of preparing for what is expected to be a more demanding season for the new champions.

In that sense, there are already several key issues drawing attention, linked to gaps that will need to be addressed. One of the most sensitive areas is the attack, which is expected to undergo a significant overhaul given the current circumstances. Samu, recovering from surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, is expected, at best, to return to top-level competition only in September, meaning he will not be available in time for the start of the new season with the rest of the group.

Luuk de Jong, who is dealing with a family matter, is still weighing up his next step, but the possibility of returning to the Netherlands is real, which would open up space in Porto’s forward line; the striker is also recovering from a ligament injury and remains in demand in his home country (see page 11).

Meanwhile, Terem Moffi’s loan deal expires at the end of the season. FC Porto reserved the right to trigger a purchase clause worth 8 million euros, plus 250 thousand euros in bonuses, but Nice recently indicated, through deputy vice-president Maurice Cohen, that they may be willing to negotiate for lower amounts. Even so, considering the 26-year-old striker’s performances, all signs suggest that the blue-and-white SAD will not activate that option. The final decision will naturally be up to André Villas-Boas, after hearing from Francesco Farioli in a meeting that will serve to define the outlines of the recruitment dossier for 2026/2027.

It should also be noted that the French club has already informed Terem Moffi and his representatives that he is not part of their plans for next season, even though his contract still has one more year to run.

Turkey courts Deniz Gul

For that reason, a strong push by the Dragons in the transfer market is considered likely, especially since even Deniz Gul’s continuity at the Dragão is not entirely guaranteed, not least because he is a player who has attracted the interest of the top clubs in the Turkish league. In addition, the number 27 could see his stock rise because of his very likely presence at the World Cup finals with Turkey, starting in June.

It is in this context — shaped by Samu’s physical situation and the high probability of Luuk de Jong and Terem Moffi leaving — that the professional football structure of the national champions is already working on the ground to assess the various scenarios and analyse names that appeal to Farioli and can quickly adapt to the Italian coach’s playing philosophy.

FC Porto’s first official match of 2026/27 will take place on July 31, August 1 or 2, against the winner of the Portuguese Cup, in a Super Cup that will pit Sporting against Torreense. As has happened recently, Farioli and the SAD will want to have the squad virtually settled when work begins, which should happen in the first weeks of July. One thing is certain: the attack will include at least one new face!

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