FC Porto have confirmed the signing of Santiago Giménez and are preparing for an away test against Académico de Viseu, staying hot on the heels of Sporting CP at the top of the Primeira Liga. The Dragons hold second place with nine points, earned from three consecutive wins without conceding a goal.
Who is FC Porto's new signing?
Mexican striker Santiago Giménez will join the Porto squad, according to a report from Portuguese outlet Record. The deal was finalized on the evening of Friday, August 29th, and will be structured as a loan without a fee, featuring a purchase option set at 18 million euros. The agreement includes potential add-ons and could become mandatory if certain sporting objectives are met.
Giménez is expected to travel to Portugal this weekend to undergo his medical and sign the contract. His arrival bolsters the attacking options available to manager Francesco Farioli, who has so far relied on André Silva, William Gomes, and Pepê. The club continues to assess its squad for the long campaign ahead.
How is FC Porto shaping up for the Académico match?
The Dragons travel to the Estádio do Fontelo this Saturday to face newly-promoted Académico de Viseu in Matchday 4 of the 2026-27 Liga Portugal season. Francesco Farioli's side arrives as the only team with a perfect record, having won all three of their opening matches. Even more impressive is their defensive record, having scored six goals while conceding none.
This defensive solidity has been a cornerstone of the champions' strong start. In their three victories – 2-0 against FC Alverca, 2-0 away to Rio Ave, and 2-0 versus Arouca at the Dragão – the team showed efficiency and control. The next challenge on the fixtures list is against Moreirense on September 4th at home. But first, all focus is on Viseu.
What can be expected from Académico de Viseu?
Académico de Viseu's return to the top flight after a 37-year absence has already produced surprising moments. The team is still searching for its first win of the season but has shown it can compete against major opponents. On the opening matchday, they earned a commendable 2-2 draw away at the Estádio da Luz against Benfica.
This was followed by a 1-0 defeat to Santa Clara and another 2-2 draw away to Marítimo. With two points from three games, the aim now is to spring a surprise against the reigning champions at home. Players like André Clóvis, who has already scored twice, and Rúben Pereira will be the main threats to Porto's clean sheet record.
What does this league position mean for the season?
With nine points and a +6 goal difference, FC Porto are firmly on the podium, just one point behind leaders Sporting CP. This perfect, clean-sheet start provides a solid foundation for the long league campaign. The team displays a balance between a compact defensive block and varied attacking solutions.
The next match, at home against 16th-placed Moreirense, will be a chance to consolidate this position before the international break. Fans can follow the title race on our standings page. The arrival of Giménez adds another quality option to a squad aiming to compete on all fronts.
