Porto resumes training with two new faces
Porto began training on Monday, July 22, unveiling two fresh additions to the squad. The arrival of a young striker and an experienced right‑back signals the club's intent to keep its Primeira Liga lead, where it finished the 2025 season with 88 points, 28 wins, 4 draws and 2 losses.
Who are the two newcomers?
The first signing is 21‑year‑old forward João Silva, arriving from Braga for €12 million. The second is right‑back Carlos Mendes, joining on a free after terminating his contract with Sporting CP. Both were introduced at the Estádio do Dragão, where the team trained under Sérgio Conceição.
Why do these signings matter?
Silva scored 15 goals this season, helping Braga secure third place. Mendes has logged 120 league appearances, adding defensive experience. The blend of youth and know‑how could be decisive to preserve the 6‑point cushion over Sporting CP, which still battles for European spots.
How does this impact the next challenge?
Porto's first official match will be away against FC Porto on September 6, a fixture that will decide who tops the table. Meanwhile, the club still celebrates the 1‑0 win over Santa Clara on May 16, 2026, a result that boosted confidence. The new players have already taken part in tactical drills, and the coach has included them in plans for the first five league games.
What to expect in upcoming trainings?
Porto will focus on integrating the newcomers while maintaining the form that produced 66 goals scored and only 18 conceded this campaign, a +48 goal difference. The team has shown a recent WLWWW pattern, despite losing four straight games before the summer break. The aim now is to turn that rhythm into consistency, gearing up for Champions League and Portuguese Cup challenges.
