FC Porto manager Francesco Farioli declared the club an expensive boutique for transfer suitors ahead of their match at Académico de Viseu.
Speaking on the eve of the trip to the Fontelo stadium in Viseu, Farioli said the club knows the prices to set if rival teams target key players such as Froholdt and goalkeeper Diogo Costa before the transfer deadline.
Farioli emphasized that his players must remain completely focused on their upcoming fixture rather than transfer speculation. He instructed the squad to keep their mobile phones on flight mode until 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, before turning them back on for 48 hours starting Monday to track late deadline news.
The Porto head coach declined to provide updates on potential arrivals, although the club is currently seeking to sign a new striker, targeting Santiago Giménez from Milan, as well as a left-back to finish assembling the squad.
FC Porto are one of the most prominent football clubs in Portugal, regularly competing at the highest level of European football. Their opponents, Académico de Viseu, host matches at the Estádio do Fontelo in central Portugal.
Focus on Académico de Viseu
Farioli warned that his team faces a difficult test in Viseu against opponents who will fight hard to secure points. He praised Académico de Viseu as a brave and well-organized side that presses effectively, retains possession well, and poses a major threat from set pieces, having already scored three goals from dead-ball situations this season.
The Italian manager also dismissed pre-match comments from Académico de Viseu head coach Bruno Pinheiro, who had expressed hope for a fair refereeing performance free from controversy. Farioli said that trying to place indirect pressure on match officials is a common tactic, adding that everyone expects fair decisions as standard.
Fofana Return and Squad News
Farioli welcomed the return of midfielder Fofana to FC Porto, noting that the player left positive memories during his previous spell at the club. He said Fofana has arrived with the right mindset to contribute just as he did last season.
However, Farioli confirmed that Fofana still requires several days of training to regain full match fitness and will not be included in the matchday squad for the visit to Viseu.
