Chris Smalling in advanced talks with Porto
Former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is in advanced negotiations to join Portuguese league leaders Porto after leaving Al-Fayha.
Chris Smalling, the 36-year-old former Manchester United and England centre-back, is in advanced talks to join Portuguese league leaders Porto. A deal is not yet completed, but negotiations have progressed significantly.
Smalling has been without a club since leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Fayha in the summer. He was previously linked with a move to Rangers, but that transfer did not come to fruition.
Porto have made a dominant start to the season, winning all seven of their league matches under manager Francesco Farioli to build a five-point lead over Benfica. In the Champions League, however, they lost at home to Manchester City in their opening fixture.
Smalling is seeking to extend a professional career that has spanned 19 years. He began at non-league Maidstone before playing for Fulham, Manchester United, and Roma. During his time at United, he won five major trophies, including two Premier League titles, and at Roma he lifted the UEFA Conference League in 2022 under Jose Mourinho. He also earned 31 caps for England.
Supporters have reacted with a mix of optimism and caution. Some Porto fans see his experience as a valuable addition for a title push and European campaign, while others question whether, at 36 and after a spell in Saudi Arabia, he can still perform at the required level. Those opinions remain unverified until any move is finalised.
If completed, the transfer would add depth to Porto's defence as they aim to maintain their domestic dominance and improve their Champions League prospects.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
