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

Confirmed as an FC Porto signing on the last day of the transfer window, Kiwior—whose career includes a spell at Arsenal—followed an unusual path to arrive at 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 reduced at the London club after having played in 68 matches under Arteta’s management over three seasons. The reunion with Bednarek, already a target for FC Porto, materialized through a loan deal with an option to buy.

Anyone representing Arsenal usually needs no introduction, but Kiwior’s breakthrough at senior level in Slovakia drew attention, especially during his time at Žilina between 2019 and 2022. It was there that he consolidated his value before heading to Serie A, invited by Spezia. Pavol Stano, now back at Žilina, witnessed this development and praises the qualities of the new defensive signing 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 even so, he became our silent leader,” praises Pavol Stano, recalling 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 came very quickly, and when he arrived at Arsenal, we were pleasantly surprised,” he reported.

The Slovak coach also highlighted the player’s evolution and maturity: he considered that FC Porto is signing a center-back, but emphasized that, due to his experience, Kiwior can also play as a left-back when necessary. He pointed out the rapid progress the defender made, describing him as a player naturally inclined to think offensively, which increases his usefulness on the left flank. Stano stressed that the player’s main goal is to play more and have a greater presence on the pitch, seeing FC Porto as the right choice to ensure that continuity. He also joked about a personal memory of facing FC Porto with his Artmedia side during Co Adriaanse’s era, before concluding: “As I 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 European champion in 1987. Also a reference 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 home country and now takes on an ambassadorial role, 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.