Huge concern for the future of FC Porto
" If Porto can no longer afford to recruit, the club will go through a long period without winning anything ," is the cold observation of José Manuel Freitas, a commentator for CMTV, a Portuguese channel. The reason is that Porto is reportedly running up an absolutely immense debt: more than €250 million, according to the club's annual financial report (2023 figures). The Dragons have also been sanctioned by UEFA under the Financial Fair Play law.
Once champions of scouting and buying and selling young players, Porto is no longer able to retain its talent, challenged by its competitors. For comparison, over the last two seasons, Porto has spent barely 100 million euros, less than its rivals: Lisbon (more than 120 million euros) or Benfica (172 million euros), according to Transfermrkt . " Porto will get bogged down if it can no longer invest ," Freitas warns of potential sporting difficulties, linked to the club's economic health, which have already begun.
Porto is indeed struggling sportingly this season. Only fourth in Liga NOS and completely out of the title race (13 points behind the leader, Sporting), Porto is in a slump. Offensively, the Dragons have scored only 57 goals compared to 83 for Lisbon and 80 for Benfica, a symbol of a club struggling, both on and off the pitch. A season that stands in stark contrast to the club's immense history. Porto has 30 Portuguese league titles and two Champions League titles (in 1987 and 2004).
L'Internaute
