Chris Smalling joins Porto on free transfer

Chris Smalling has signed for Porto on a free transfer, the Portuguese club announced late on Wednesday night.

The 36-year-old centre-back was a free agent after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al Fayha in July, having failed to find a club during the summer transfer window. He has agreed a one-year deal with an option for a further year, according to talkSPORT, while Flashscore understands the contract runs to the end of the season with an option for an additional season.

The move takes Smalling back into the Champions League this season, ending two years in Saudi Arabia. He spent a decade at Manchester United, winning the Premier League twice, the FA Cup and the League Cup, before five years at Roma where he lifted the inaugural Europa Conference League in 2022. He won 31 caps for England.

Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast in August, Smalling said he was being patient and waiting for “the right kind of project” — and Porto are back in the Champions League this season. He will compete with the club’s current centre-backs, including Jakub Kiwior and Jan Bednarek, as Porto look to strengthen their squad.