Chris Smalling, the former Manchester United and England centre-back, has completed a move to Portuguese top-flight leaders Porto on a contract running through the end of the season, with an option to extend for an additional year.
The 36-year-old had been without a club since departing Saudi Pro League side Al-Fayha during the summer transfer window. He had previously been pursued by Scottish Premiership outfit Rangers, though that potential transfer failed to come to fruition.
Where does Porto stand this season?
Porto currently lead the Portuguese league after winning all seven matches played so far, establishing a five-point gap over second-placed Benfica. However, their European campaign has begun less successfully, with manager Francesco Farioli's team suffering a home defeat to Manchester City in their opening Champions League fixture.
What is Smalling's career trajectory?
Smalling is looking to prolong a professional career spanning 19 years that started at non-league Maidstone United. His subsequent moves took him through Fulham before joining Manchester United, where he accumulated five major honours including two Premier League championships. Following his time in England's top flight, he relocated to Italian capital Roma, where he captured the Uefa Conference League trophy under Jose Mourinho's management in 2022.
Since 2020, Smalling has conducted his club football exclusively outside England, representing teams across multiple leagues and continents before his latest signing with the Portuguese champions.
