Chris Smalling joins Porto on a free transfer

Chris Smalling has joined Porto on a free transfer, returning to European football after two seasons in Saudi Arabia with Al-Fayha.

The 36-year-old England international has signed a contract until the end of the 2026/27 season, with an option to extend the deal for another year subject to sporting objectives.

Smalling had been without a club since leaving Al-Fayha in the summer. Porto moved for the experienced centre-back to add another option to Francesco Farioli's defence, particularly with Nehuén Pérez dealing with injury problems.

The defender spent nine seasons at Manchester United between 2010 and 2019, making more than 300 appearances and winning two Premier League titles, the Europa League, the FA Cup and the League Cup.

He later moved to Roma, where he played from 2019 to 2024 and won the Europa Conference League under José Mourinho. Smalling then spent the last two seasons at Al-Fayha before becoming a free agent.

The former England international has 31 caps for his country and represented the Three Lions at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.

Smalling will wear the No. 6 shirt at Porto and will now have the chance to compete in the Champions League with the Portuguese champions.