FC Porto has officially announced the capture of Croatian central defender Dominik Prpic, adding a promising young talent to their squad. The 21-year-old arrives from Hajduk Split, signing a long-term contract that ties him to the Portuguese giants until 2030.
Prpic, a Croatian U21 international, had reportedly been in Porto since the beginning of the week, finalizing the details of his transfer. The lengthy contract signals significant confidence from the club in the young defender`s potential. As is customary in Portuguese football, a release clause has been included in the agreement, reportedly set at around 60 million euros – a figure that underscores the club`s valuation of their new asset and perhaps acts as a deterrent to potential suitors down the line.
Speaking to the club`s official media channels, Prpic expressed his enthusiasm about the move.
“I feel very good. I am very grateful to be at such a great club as FC Porto. I also want to thank President André Villas-Boas and everyone at the club for giving me this opportunity. I don`t want to talk about myself, but I guarantee that in every training session and every match I will give 100% and my best to help the team and my teammates,” Prpic stated, perhaps acknowledging the weight of expectation that comes with joining a club of Porto`s stature.
He also acknowledged the club`s history and standing in European football.
“FC Porto is the biggest Portuguese club and one of the biggest in Europe. It has many national and international titles, and great names have passed through here such as Iker Casillas, Deco, Jorge Costa, and even President André Villas-Boas. I also can`t forget the Special One José Mourinho.”
Indeed, joining a club with such a lineage is a significant step for the young defender. The mention of legendary figures like Casillas, Deco, Mourinho, and even the current president, suggests Prpic is well aware of the history he is stepping into, and perhaps subtly aiming to carve out his own chapter.
FC Porto`s Football Director, Jorge Costa, himself a legendary figure at the club, offered his assessment of the new signing.
“He is a player distinct from what we have and what exists on the market. He is a tall, fast player, with a beautiful left foot, aggressive enough in duels. He seems to me a player with a lot of character, and that is exactly what we are looking for for the present and the future of the club,” Costa remarked, providing a technical breakdown of Prpic`s attributes.
Costa further elaborated on what he expects from Prpic and how he believes the player will be received by the club`s passionate fanbase.
“I hope he defends our colors for many years and with success, above all. What seems clear to me, and I`m surely not mistaken, is that he will be a player who will please the fans with his dedication, with his quality, naturally, but above all with his character and his commitment to the game, to duels, and to everything that represents the values of FC Porto.”
This emphasis on “character” and “commitment” resonates deeply with the traditional values associated with the Dragons. It suggests that beyond technical skill, Prpic`s mentality and fighting spirit were key factors in the club`s decision.
Dominik Prpic becomes the third official reinforcement for FC Porto in this transfer window, following the earlier arrivals of Gabri Veiga and João Costa. His signing indicates a clear strategy by the club`s new leadership to bolster the squad with both immediate quality and long-term potential, aiming to build a competitive team for the upcoming season and beyond.
