Nuno Encarnação has no doubts: “FC Porto must keep Diogo Costa” | OneFootball

FC Porto have already begun preparing for the new season, after winning the national title, and coach Francesco Farioli, in coordination with president André Villas-Boas, is defining the priorities for 2026/27. Between reinforcements, possible departures, and the need to consolidate the stability achieved last season, there is a growing conviction that the attack is one of the areas that will require investment.

Nuno Encarnação, an FC Porto supporter and Record columnist, agrees with the idea that the attack is one of the squad’s weaknesses.

“FC Porto must make rebuilding the attacking sector a priority, with more effective strikers, and should go into the market with that in mind,” he told Record. In addition to the need to strengthen the frontline, the Porto supporter also argues that the club should anticipate movements in the market, especially in the squad’s more sensitive positions.

“They should also anticipate possible departures of one or two players, especially in midfield, and prepare for those possibilities,” he explained, admitting that the summer could bring changes in key areas of the team.

Even so, Nuno Encarnação does not see urgency in every position, such as the left side of the defense, where he believes Zaidu and Francisco Moura have provided the necessary assurances. “If either of them leaves, obviously FC Porto should go into the market and try to find even better players. But, all things considered, these players have fulfilled their mission. Anything that can improve the quality in this position will be welcome, but I do not want to point the finger at the left side of the defense,” he said.

However, he maintains that the central attacking area continues to be the real critical point in building the squad: “The priority, at this moment, is clearly the center of the attack and the strikers, especially in terms of finishing efficiency,” he stressed.

Despite the expectation surrounding potential reinforcements, Nuno Encarnação believes that FC Porto’s biggest “market coup” could be keeping one of the central figures of the title-winning squad. For the commentator, keeping Diogo Costa at the Dragão would be equivalent to a hugely impactful signing for the new season. “The biggest signing FC Porto should make is keeping Diogo Costa,” he said without hesitation, considering that the Portuguese international goalkeeper was decisive in winning the championship and has become a structural piece of the team. “He has been fundamental in building this unbeatable defense and in securing several points to keep FC Porto as champions,” he highlighted.

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