Luuk de Jong will continue his career at FC Porto. The former PSV captain joins Francesco Farioli's side on a free transfer.
Luuk de Jong's decision to join FC Porto marks a surprising yet intriguing turn in a long and decorated career.
The 34-year-old striker, widely known for his aerial dominance and leadership qualities, had kept fans and pundits guessing for months about his next destination after parting ways with PSV Eindhoven earlier this summer. As his contract with the Eredivisie club expired, the former captain took time to reflect on his future, training individually at De Herdgang while weighing offers and possibilities.
De Jong’s extended silence led to growing uncertainty at PSV, where he had established himself as a club icon. With the club eager to move forward in its squad planning, the Eindhoven side opted not to wait indefinitely. In a significant signal of transition, PSV secured the signing of Alassane Pléa from Borussia Mönchengladbach to bolster their attacking options and provide healthy competition for Ricardo Pepi. The move made it increasingly unlikely that De Jong would return, and speculation about his next step began to intensify.
Over the past weekend, rumors emerged linking De Jong with a return to Spain particularly to Sevilla, where he had a mixed but memorable spell from 2019 to 2021, highlighted by a UEFA Europa League triumph. Yet, while a return to La Liga seemed plausible, De Jong surprised many by opting instead for a move to Portugal, signing with FC Porto on a free transfer. The experienced forward joins the Portuguese giants on a one-year deal and becomes one of the most high-profile veterans to arrive at the club in recent years.
At Porto, De Jong will reunite with Francesco Farioli, the 35-year-old Italian manager who previously coached Ajax and is now at the helm of the Dragões. Farioli’s appointment signaled a shift in vision for the club, with a stronger emphasis on tactical flexibility and youth development yet the addition of an experienced figure like De Jong also reflects a desire for balance and leadership within the dressing room.
De Jong becomes Farioli’s eighth new signing this summer, as the club undergoes a broad reshaping of its squad. While Porto is traditionally known for recruiting talent from South America and Portuguese-speaking nations, De Jong represents a rare Dutch addition. In fact, he is only the second Dutch player in the club’s modern history, following in the footsteps of Bruno Martins Indi, who played for Porto between 2014 and 2016 after leaving Feyenoord. Martins Indi, a central defender, had a solid if unspectacular stint in Portugal and later returned to the Netherlands.
The decision to bring in De Jong is a bold move by Porto, particularly as the club prepares for both domestic and European campaigns. With the Portuguese league becoming increasingly competitive and rivals like Benfica and Sporting CP also investing heavily Porto sees De Jong as a reliable goal threat and an experienced figure to help guide younger talents through pressure-filled matches. His proven ability to score decisive goals in tight contests, combined with his understanding of European football’s tactical nuances, could prove invaluable.
Wearing the number 26 shirt with the traditional number 9 already assigned to rising talent Samu Aghehowa De Jong is expected to bring more than just goals. His aerial prowess, hold-up play, and ability to bring others into the game make him an ideal reference point for Farioli’s offensive strategies. Moreover, his leadership and professionalism could have a strong impact off the pitch as well, especially on a relatively young squad in transition.
For De Jong, this move represents both a new challenge and an opportunity to extend his career at the highest level. After winning league titles with PSV, lifting the Europa League with Sevilla, and playing at World Cups and European Championships with the Netherlands, he brings a wealth of experience to a Porto side hungry for trophies. His time in Spain, Germany, England, and the Netherlands has equipped him with a diverse skill set and the mental resilience needed to adapt quickly to a new environment.
It remains to be seen how prominently De Jong will feature in Farioli’s plans whether as a regular starter, impact substitute, or mentor to emerging strikers. But his presence alone gives Porto a new dimension in attack and adds to the tactical options available heading into the 2025–26 season. And for fans, it’s a signing that blends nostalgia, experience, and curiosity a veteran striker with unfinished business on the European stage.
