Porto turn to veteran Smalling to shore up defence

Ex-Man United star Chris Smalling arrives at FC Porto on a free transfer, filling a defensive void after a spate of injuries. The 36‑year‑old English centre‑back was without a club since 1 July, when his two‑year Saudi Pro League deal with Al‑Fayha ended. Porto confirmed the signing on Tuesday, 30 September, marking his return to European football.

Porto's defensive woes prompt veteran signing

Porto announced Smalling has signed a contract running to the end of the 2026/27 Primeira Liga season, with an option to extend for another year. The deal was finalised after he completed medical and fitness tests at the club.

According to Maisfutebol and Fabrizio Romano, Smalling travelled to Porto for the examinations before the contract was sealed. Both outlets confirmed the player passed the assessments without issue.

Porto sit top of the Primeira Liga, holding a perfect 21 points from seven matches and sitting five points clear of Benfica. Their European campaign stumbled with a 2‑0 home loss to Manchester City in the Champions League opener.

Smalling brings a wealth of experience, having made 323 appearances for Manchester United and winning two Premier League titles. He also collected a Europa Conference League medal with Roma in 2022 and earned 31 caps for England.

He becomes only the second Englishman to represent Porto, following Norman Hall in the early 1900s.

Porto’s back line has been hit by injuries, with Jan Bednarek and Jakub Kiwior the current first choices. Nehuen Perez suffered a serious thigh injury after returning from a long lay‑off and Dominik Prpic has been limited to the B team.

Smalling joins fellow veteran Thiago Silva, another free‑agent defender signed by the Dragons this summer, further bolstering the squad’s experience.