Farioli effect: FC Porto squad value up by €26.5m since summer window | OneFootball

The numbers are enlightening. Since the closing of the summer market, the value of FC Porto's squad has increased by 26.5 million euros, reaching 391.8 million. This growth surpasses that of their two direct rivals: Benfica, with an increase of 23 million, and Sporting, with 22.2 million. In the overall picture of the League, the Dragons have consolidated themselves as the second most valuable squad, only behind the Lions (456.5 million) and now ahead of the Eagles (358.8 million). For the club, this rise is not only a source of pride: it translates into potential liquidity and strengthens their bargaining power in future transfers. In a context where budgets are decided both on the field and in the accounts, this increase constitutes a discreet but decisive victory.

The case of Froholdt illustrates this dynamic well. FC Porto bought 100% of the young midfielder's rights for 20 million euros from Copenhagen, plus 2 million in variables. The contract is valid until June 30, 2030, and includes a release clause of 85 million. He arrived, adapted, and has been standing out: the Danish international immediately fit into Farioli's model and saw his valuation rise from 12 to 22 million euros. A double-digit appreciation in a single update is rare and placed him among the League's standout figures. In August, Froholdt was chosen as player of the month, best midfielder, and best young player. He quickly became a central piece in the blue and white strategy. He is not just a player with accurate passes or recoveries; he is a demonstration of what a coach can achieve by integrating the right talent in the right context. He has already sparked interest from clubs like Atlético de Madrid, with his valuation being the perfect example of the so-called Farioli Effect.

Froholdt is not isolated in this trend. Alberto Costa, Prpic, Gabri Veiga, Borja Sainz, and William Gomes have also recorded significant increases. That six players appreciate simultaneously is not a coincidence; it reflects a game model that fosters progress, confidence, and international visibility. Even the exceptions – the declines of Eustáquio and Kiwior – seem circumstantial and with potential for reversal. Just observe the recent performances of the Polish central defender to conclude that the current 25 million may only be an intermediate level before further appreciation.

This is where the figure of the coach stands out. Francesco Farioli brought renewed energy to Dragão, a well-defined game project, and the boldness to bet on players who, until recently, were an unknown. The result is clear: nine wins and one draw in ten games, between the championship and the Europa League, and a squad that performs on the field and gains value off it. The Farioli Effect is twofold – competitive and financial. The Italian coach has managed to forge a solid collective identity, based on intensity, mobility, and tactical courage, while enhancing individual talents. Each victory, each convincing performance, and each player who progresses in the system translates into more millions in the market.

This phenomenon should also be interpreted from a strategic perspective. FC Porto is a club that historically has to reconcile sporting ambition with financial sustainability. It was like this with Mourinho, Villas-Boas, or Sérgio Conceição: the results on the field paved the way for million-dollar sales that maintained the club's competitiveness. Today, with Farioli, history may repeat itself. The fact that the squad is worth 45.9 million more than at the end of last season strengthens FC Porto's position in the international market. Moreover, it provides the leeway to choose the right moment to sell and face the upcoming transfer windows with greater bargaining power.

In summary, if the fans have already been captivated by the team's vibrant style of play, the numbers confirm: Farioli is not just winning games; he is generating millions. In the medium term, this could be the most decisive impact of his tenure at FC Porto. In modern football, winning on the field is just the first step; the real challenge is to convert those victories into value.

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