Bernardo Lima, under-17 world champion, agrees new FC Porto deal | OneFootball

FC Porto’s SAD is focused on the present, but it is also already working on the medium and long term within the structure of its youth teams, the B team and, of course, the first team. In that context, the blue-and-white officials are dealing in advance with the renewal of some promising academy players whose contracts expire in 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 Easter, as agreed by both parties.

The young midfielder’s desire was decisive throughout the process, since he intends to keep representing the club of his heart and will extend the deal — which was due to end 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 the release clause, which currently stands at 20 million euros and should at least double.

Several foreign clubs are 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 attractive they might have been financially.

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

After 30 matches for the juniors while still of youth 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 for 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 notable tally of six goals and two assists in just six games for the juniors. A member of the group of captains 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 added 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.