Chris Smalling undergoes medical as Porto close in on short-term deal
Chris Smalling is in Porto for medical checks ahead of a proposed short-term move to the Estadio do Dragao, with the 36-year-old free agent expected to sign through to the end of the current campaign.
Porto move set to answer defensive shortage
Francesco Farioli has moved for immediate experience after injuries reduced his options at centre-back. Smalling recently left Saudi Pro League side Al-Fayha and is being lined up as a ready-made addition for Porto’s congested schedule.
- Nehuen Perez has continued to battle fitness problems.
- The Argentine briefly returned against Manchester City earlier this month before suffering another setback.
- Porto have turned to the free-agent market to cover Perez’s absence while he works with the club’s medical team.
- Smalling made 28 appearances during his spell with Al-Fayha, offering evidence of his recent availability.
The former England international could compete for a starting place immediately, while also allowing Farioli greater scope to rotate his defenders in high-pressure fixtures.
Experienced winner arrives after Al-Fayha exit
Smalling would bring 31 England caps to Porto and was part of the national squads at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016. His career included a decade at Manchester United, where he won two Premier League titles, followed by a successful period at Roma.
- He lifted the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League with Roma.
- He worked extensively under Jose Mourinho, who he has credited with giving him trust and the belief to handle difficult moments on the pitch.
- Smalling’s route to the elite level was far from straightforward; he has recalled that professional football was not even his fourth option while he considered non-league clubs around Leicester after completing his A-levels.
What happens next
Porto are expected to complete the paperwork once Smalling has passed his examinations, with an announcement anticipated shortly. The deal would fit the club’s recruitment approach, which president Andre Villas-Boas has recently praised, adding an established international without a transfer fee.
