FC Porto Announce Luuk de Jong as New Striker in Surprise Unveiling

FC Porto have signed experienced Dutch striker Luuk de Jong. He joins on a free transfer after his contract with PSV Eindhoven ended.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 34-year-old was officially unveiled as Porto‘s new striker during the team presentation ahead of their pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid. The announcement came as a surprise, with no prior rumours or leaks appearing in the media. The 34-year-old, who scored 18 goals and made 13 assists last season as PSV won the Eredivisie, was introduced on the pitch wearing his new number 26 shirt. Villas-Boas is said to have played a major role in landing the Dutchman’s signature after several weeks of speculation about De Jong‘s future following the end of his PSV contract. PSV Eindhoven finished the Eredivisie season as champions, highlighting the striker’s significant contribution to the team’s success.

LUUK DE JONG’S CAREER SO FAR

De Jong brings a wealth of experience to Porto. Across two spells at PSV, he won five Eredivisie titles and scored 186 goals in 338 official matches, while also playing for Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany, Newcastle United in England, and Sevilla and Barcelona in Spain. Despite reported interest from Sevilla and Fiorentina this summer, De Jong chose Porto, where he will be coached by his former rival’s coach Farioli, who coached Ajax to the Dutch league runner-up spot just behind PSV last season.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR PORTO?

Porto will hope Luuk de Jong will be able to lead them to their own league title as they target a return to the top of the Primeira Liga standings. They are next in action against Vitoria SC; Porto aims to improve upon their third-place finish last season and are targeting an immediate return to the top of the standings, after failing to pose a real threat to win the Primeira Liga or Portuguese Cup last season.