Farioli sees Borja Sainz as a key man at FC Porto in 2026/27 | OneFootball

If it is up to FC Porto, Borja Sainz will continue in blue and white next season. The 25-year-old winger remains firmly in Francesco Farioli’s plans for 2026/27, despite a competitive and market context that could cast doubt on his status within the team’s most regularly used core.

The first factor raising some doubts about the current reading of Porto’s decision-makers has to do with Oskar Pietuszewski’s impact in just half a season at the club. The 18-year-old Pole was signed in January, in theory, to be an alternative to Borja Sainz, but he ended up winning a starting spot in the domestic league, while the Spaniard — also benefiting from Pietuszewski’s exclusion from the UEFA squad list — had a clear path to establish himself as first choice in the Europa League.

Given the youngster’s response, Borja Sainz could see his situation reassessed at the Dragão… but that is not expected to happen. The board led by André Villas-Boas views the Spaniard as an asset for 2026/27, and his departure will only be considered in the event of a significantly inflated offer. It should be remembered that the club invested €13.3 million in the signing, with a further €2 million possible in add-ons, while Norwich secured 20% of any future capital gain.

The board led by André Villas-Boas considers the Spaniard an asset for 2026/27, and any departure would only be possible in a highly inflated market context

Moreover, FC Porto will not trigger the option to buy, valid until the 30th, 10% of the capital gains owed to Norwich in a future transfer for €1.5 million. It is worth noting that, given the initial €13.3 million investment and the €2 million in add-ons, such a buyback would only make sense in the event of a sale already in the region of €40 million. His contract, which runs until 2030, includes a €100 million release clause.

It is therefore within this market framework that the second factor of instability in the process could emerge. Previously linked with Athletic Bilbao, the winger was again associated yesterday with reports of genuine interest from the Spanish club — Borja Sainz is, it should be remembered, an international for the Basque Country national team — allegedly including direct contact with FC Porto. However, according to the information gathered, at this moment neither the Dragons nor the agency representing the player have been approached regarding a possible transfer.

The plan for Borja Sainz is defined and does not foresee any flexibility or discount in the market. FC Porto, which in 2026/27 will face new competitive demands with its return to the Champions League, is counting on the winger.

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