As the final whistle blew on FC Porto`s pre-season clash against Atlético Madrid, a palpable sense of anticipation settled over the Estádio do Dragão. This wasn`t just another friendly; it was the prologue to what promises to be a transformative 2025/26 season. After a turbulent previous campaign, the Dragons are not merely turning a new page, but rather, appear to be launching an entirely new manuscript, featuring a fresh tactical blueprint and a roster significantly reshaped by a bustling transfer market.
A New Tactician at the Helm: The Farioli Gambit
The 2024/25 season, the inaugural full term under President André Villas-Boas, proved to be a masterclass in managerial merry-go-round. What began with Vítor Bruno and a Supertaça triumph quickly devolved into tactical disarray. Following a disappointing defeat in Barcelos, Bruno was politely shown the exit. His replacement, the Argentine Martín Anselmi, arrived amidst controversy and with a distinctly different philosophy. Yet, despite his fervent efforts, Anselmi`s grand designs never fully materialized on the pitch, culminating in a third-place league finish, a rather humbling eleven points adrift of champions Sporting. The ultimate coup de grâce for Anselmi`s tenure arrived with a premature and winless exit from the Club World Cup, a tournament that, ironically, was deemed nuclear for his continued employment.
Enter Francesco Farioli. The 36-year-old Italian, formerly of Ajax where he narrowly missed out on a league title but left a clear tactical imprint, now commands the Dragon`s den. Farioli brings a high-intensity, offensive 4-3-3 system, a methodology that, in principle, aligns well with FC Porto`s historically aggressive and forward-thinking identity. The hope is that this new approach will not only restore the club`s winning ways but also re-establish a clear, recognizable playing style that seemed to have faded in recent times.
The Summer Spending Spree: A Bill of Intent
President Villas-Boas made a bold promise during Farioli`s unveiling: “the biggest market in FC Porto`s history.” And to his credit, in terms of sheer investment, he has delivered. To date, the club has reportedly shelled out a substantial €73.6 million on six new acquisitions. This figure doesn`t even include the €15 million for Gabri Veiga, a deal concluded in the previous season, or the €12 million committed to fully acquiring Samu. One of the six new faces, Nehuén Pérez, was already on loan from Udinese, with the buy option now exercised, transforming a temporary fixture into a permanent resident.
The most eye-catching arrival is undoubtedly Danish sensation Victor Froholdt, whose services commanded a hefty €20 million, making him the club`s most expensive summer signing so far. The defensive sector has seen the most significant reinforcement, with the additions of central defenders Bednarek and Prpic, alongside right-back Alberto Costa. Further up the pitch, Borja Sainz, the Spanish winger and top scorer for Norwich last season, has been brought in to inject offensive potency. While the initial wave of investment has been considerable, whispers suggest further surgical strikes may occur in August, with a striker and another winger, ideally on loan, remaining on the wish list.
The Art of the Sale: Funding the Vision
Remarkably, Porto`s ambitious spending has been largely offset by an equally astute performance in the transfer out-market. The club has generated an impressive €74.52 million from player sales thus far, demonstrating a fiscal dexterity that has allowed for this significant squad overhaul. The most prominent departure is Francisco Conceição, who after a €10 million loan stint at Juventus, has now been permanently acquired by the Old Lady for a further €32 million. Juventus also secured João Mário for €12.6 million, a move intertwined with Alberto Costa`s arrival at Porto.
Other notable departures include Otávio Ataíde, who despite an underwhelming season, moved to Paris FC for €17 million, and Gonçalo Borges, who joined Dutch side Feyenoord for €10 million. While not generating cash, the departure of veteran defender Iván Marcano upon the expiration of his contract marks a symbolic shift. Looking ahead, the most significant question mark hovers over goalkeeper Diogo Costa, with numerous clubs reportedly monitoring the Portuguese international, potentially adding another significant figure to Porto`s outgoing transfer ledger before the window closes.
Pre-Season: Glimpses of the Future
The early indicators from pre-season have been largely positive. Farioli`s side has navigated four friendly matches, securing victories in all of them. Their campaign kicked off with a convincing 4-0 win over Trofense on July 19th. A double-header on July 27th saw them defeat Feirense 2-1 behind closed doors, followed by an identical 2-1 victory against Twente in front of their home support at the Estádio do Dragão. Their most recent outing, a closed-door encounter against Famalicão last Wednesday, resulted in a dominant 3-0 triumph. While pre-season victories are often as reliable an indicator of future success as a coin toss in a gale, these results nonetheless offer a nascent foundation of confidence for the revamped squad.
With the final pre-season test against Atlético Madrid now concluded, all eyes turn to the upcoming league opener against Vitória SC. FC Porto`s 2025/26 season is poised for a dramatic reboot, a high-stakes gamble on a new coach, a host of new talent, and a meticulously managed financial strategy. The Dragons are not just hoping to compete; they are actively rebuilding to reclaim their place at the summit of Portuguese football, beginning with `take two` under Francesco Farioli.
