FC Porto have strengthened their defence with the signing of experienced English international Chris Smalling, announced on Tuesday. The 36-year-old centre-back joined on a free transfer, signing a contract until the end of the 2026/27 season with an option for a further year.
Smalling's arrival comes as Porto sit top of the Primeira Liga with 21 points from seven games, holding a five-point lead over Benfica. Francesco Farioli's side have won four of their last five matches, including a 3-1 victory over Benfica and a 3-1 win at Deportivo La Coruña last weekend.
Elite experience
Smalling had been a free agent since July 1st following the expiry of his two-year contract with Saudi side Al-Fayha. The Portuguese champions highlighted the profile of their new signing in an official statement. "FC Porto has just signed a new defender with international experience and proven track record in the best leagues in the world: Chris Smalling has signed a contract until the end of the season, with an option for an additional year, and joins the national champions without a transfer fee," the club said.
The English defender brings a decorated CV, having won two Premier League titles with Manchester United and the UEFA Europa Conference League with Roma in 2022 under José Mourinho. Across a 19-year professional career that began at Maidstone United, Smalling also played for Fulham and earned 31 caps for England. At Al-Fayha, where he arrived in 2024, he made 67 appearances.
Defensive reinforcement
The signing addresses a specific need in the Porto squad, which is dealing with long-term injuries to centre-backs Jan Bednarek, Jakub Kiwior and Nehuen Pérez. Smalling now joins another veteran free-agent signing this summer, Thiago Silva, and will compete for a starting spot with Dominik Prpic, who has been featuring for the B team.
Porto's next challenge, with Smalling available for selection, is an away trip to 11th-placed Marítimo on Saturday, October 10th. The team remains unbeaten in the Portuguese league, having scored 18 goals and conceded just three, with forward Gabri Veiga the team's top scorer on four goals. To see the full squad details, visit the squad page.
More detail at completesports.com
FC Porto formalised the signing of Chris Smalling this Wednesday, the club announced. The 36-year-old centre-back signed until the end of the season, with a renewal option, on a free transfer. Smalling expressed enthusiasm after signing: "I'm very excited. I came to help and bring trophies," said the player, capped 31 times. His arrival bolsters the defence as Porto lead the Primeira Liga with 21 points and just three goals conceded.
