Bernardo Lima, Under-17 world champion, set to renew with FC Porto | OneFootball

FC Porto’s SAD is focused on the present, but it is also already working on the medium- and long-term structure of its youth teams, the B team and, of course, the first team. In that context, the club’s officials are moving early to renew some promising academy players whose contracts run until 2027. One of those cases is Bernardo Lima, the Under-17 world champion in Qatar, who, according to newspaper A BOLA, already has a contract extension with FC Porto practically agreed and which should be finalized after the Easter period, as agreed between the parties.

The young midfielder’s willingness was decisive throughout the process, since he wants to keep representing the club he supports and will extend the deal — which was due to expire in 2027 — by another five seasons. This continued stay in blue and white naturally includes a salary review — which may include performance bonuses — as well as a significant increase in his release clause, which currently stands at 20 million euros and is expected to at least double.

There are several foreign clubs keeping an eye on the Dragons’ young talent, but his priority has always been to continue at FC Porto, refusing even to consider offers, no matter how financially attractive they might be.

Bernardo Lima gave his word to FC Porto and, for that reason, it is virtually certain that he will remain at the club for at least another five years, unless a “big shark” is willing to pay a high amount for his economic rights. The midfielder left Sanjoanense to join the Invicta club in 2016 and quickly rose through the youth ranks.

After 30 matches for the under-19s while still of under-17 age, with eight goals and one assist, he signed a professional contract and made his debut for the B team in 2024/25. In Mafra, on matchday 25 of Liga 2, he came on in the 85th minute in place of Melnichenko and made his senior debut. In the early part of the current season, he added more minutes as a professional — 79 spread across three matches — as well as a remarkable return of six goals and two assists in just six games for the under-19s. A member of the captains’ group of the Under-17 world champions, Bernardo Lima took part in every match, played every minute in half of them, and stood out for the aggression and physicality he brought to Portugal’s midfield. He was the player who committed the most fouls at the World Cup (16) and ranked eighth in interceptions (9).

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