STARS IN EUROPE - ENGLAND - TRANSFER - SMALLING SIGNS FOR PORTO

Chris Smalling

The Details
Former Manchester United and England defender Chris Smalling has signed for Portuguese league leaders Porto. The 36-year-old has agreed a contract until the end of the season, with an option for a further year. He had been without a club since leaving Saudi Pro League side Al Fayha in the summer, and a rumoured move to Rangers never materialised.

The Leaders
Smalling joins a team on a roll. Porto have won all seven league games this season and sit five points clear of second-placed Benfica. Francesco Farioli’s side did suffer a home defeat to Manchester City in their opening Champions League match.

The Credentials
A 19-year professional career that began at Maidstone in non-league football. Smalling went on to play for Fulham, Manchester United, where he won five major trophies including two Premier League titles, and Roma, where he lifted the UEFA Conference League under Jose Mourinho in 2022. He also won 31 England caps.

The Closer
Nearly two decades in, still hungry, and landing at the top of the table. Smalling’s Porto chapter starts now.