Porto one step away from signing a contract with Chris Smalling

FC Porto is preparing the signing of Chris Smalling, a 36‑year‑old defender who is a free agent. The deal, lasting one season with an additional year option, is expected to be finalized this Wednesday.

According to the newspaper Record, Smalling is already at the Invicta undergoing medical examinations, the final step before signing. The Portuguese club confirmed that the contract includes an extension option for the following season.

Farioli gains central reinforcement

Coach Francesco Farioli will thus have another centre‑back at his disposal, strengthening the defensive line of the blues and whites. Smalling will need to adapt to the project of Porto, but will benefit from the international break to integrate into the technical group led by Farioli.

Profile and career of Smalling

Smalling rose to prominence wearing the Fulham shirt before moving in 2010 to Manchester United, where he stayed until 2019. He then ventured into Serie A, signing with AS Roma in 2019 and remaining at the club until 2024, before finishing the last season at Al Fayha.

The defender has 31 caps for the English national team, having played in the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Euro. The international experience adds to a résumé of elite clubs, offering Porto a player with experience in high‑level competitions.

According to reports, Smalling became a free agent after terminating with Al Fayha last July and is already in the Portuguese city to complete the signing. The contract will be valid until the end of the season, with an additional year option, as reported by Portuguese media.

Porto has previously experienced similar situations, such as the signing of Thiago Silva after ending his contract with Fluminense, and is looking to strengthen the defence after physical issues of Nehuen Pérez, former Udinese. Smalling's arrival represents another step in the club's defensive strategy.