Since the last decade, Portugal has been one of the biggest the breeding grounds of talents in Europe. Clubs like Benfica, Sporting and Porto have kept on producing some amazing players who have gone on to become world beaters in the future. We have seen the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel Di Maria, David Luiz, Falcao, James Rodriguez et al emerging at the big stage after plying their trade in the Portuguese league over the years.
Porto are one of the biggest clubs in Portugal and have a gifted set of players who look ready for the next step. The Lisbon club is known for their excellent academy and scouting network and have given the world, players like Falcao, Hulk and James Rodriguez amongst many others.
Let us take a look at five such Porto players who could move in the summer-
#1 Yacine Brahimi
Brahimi is one of the biggest stars in the Portuguese Primeira Liga at the moment and has been the subject of interest from a number of Premier League clubs in recent times. Last summer, he was heavily linked with the likes of Everton and Arsenal and it is a bit surprising to see the Algerian dazzler still plying his trade for Porto.
The 27-year-old is predominantly a winger but is also capable of plying his trade as an attacking midfielder. The former Granada man is blessed with terrific ball control and technique and is known as a technical dribbler. Porto managed to keep hold onto him last summer but it won’ be easy for them to keep the Algerian star at Estádio do Dragão for much long.
#2 Moussa Marega
The Mali international signed for Porto in January 2016 but failed to make an immediate mark at the club. That prompted Porto to loan him out to Vitória Guimarães. However, six months into the move, Porto are already regretting after seeing his amazing showings for his new team this season. The on-loan Porto forward has scored 10 goals from 13 Liga games this campaign, a goal tally that is bettered only by Bas Dost and his Porto teammate Andre Silva.
Marega was the subject of interest from a number of Premier League clubs in January and going into next summer, there is not much of that plummeting. He might not have got his chance at Porto and after a fine season with Vitoria, the temptation of playing Premier League football should be enough for the 25-year-old to part ways with Porto in the summer again.
#3 Hector Herrera
The Porto captain is one of the best players in Primeira Liga right now and a complete midfielder like him would do well to look for a new challenge. An orthodox box to box midfielder, the Mexican international should not find it hard to attract quality suitors for himself if he opts for a move. Still only 26 years old, Herrera has what it takes to reach the heights and if he has the desire of achieving even more, the time for a move is ripe.
He might not be a name you get to hear much often but the Mexican has every ability that a midfielder aspires of. A tireless runner and a born leader of men, he is someone who can create, can tackle and can unlock a stubborn backline with a defence-splitting pass. With his industry, creativity and discipline, Herrera could be at any big club next season.
#4 Rúben Neves
One of the best young midfielders in the world, Ruben Neves is a talent that the whole world is already aware of and we might see the young Portuguese prodigy making his big move in the summer. The 19-year-old is a defensive midfielder that is not afraid to go forward and prompt attacks, showing great maturity combined with accurate passing skills, great vision and an astute sense of positioning.
His playing attributes also granted him comparisons to Portuguese international João Moutinho for his fine first touch, similar desire to press his opponents and excellent distribution. Still a teenager, he has what it takes to become one of the best midfielders in the world in the coming years and this summer, we might see the talented youngster making his big move.
#5 Andre Silva
What a striker Porto have in the making in Andre Silva! The 21-year-old was a relatively unknown player before this season but this season, he has been a revelation having scored 17 goals already in all competitions. His tally of assists (6) is also impressive for an out and out forward. The youngster got his break in the Portuguese national team recently as well and has already impressed at the international level after finding the beck of the net four times in four games.
Silva has a bright future ahead of him. Regarded as one of the best young finishers in the world right now, his stock should be high in the summer. A deadly finisher who excels in the air and is blessed with amazing movement, the youngster has plenty of promise and we might see him being lured away from Porto in the summer.
