Jan Bednarek Seals Move to FC Porto on Four-Year Deal

Polish defender Jan Bednarek has officially joined FC Porto from Southampton, signing a four-year contract in a deal worth €7.5 million.

WHAT HAPPENED

FC Porto have announced the signing of Jan Bednarek after finalizing an agreement with Southampton for a transfer fee of €7.5 million. The 29-year-old centre-back, who had offers from other clubs including Trabzonspor and AS Roma, chose Porto after negotiations accelerated. Bednarek played 23 matches with Southampton during the 2024/25 season but made the move following Southampton’s relegation to the Championship. His arrival comes as Porto aims to strengthen their defense under manager Francesco Farioli for the new season. According to reports, FC Porto finished third in the 2024/25 Primeira Liga season, prompting the need for improvements in their squad.

PORTO’S PLANS AND BEDNAREK’S EXPERIENCE

Bednarek brings a wealth of experience to Porto’s back line, having made 243 appearances for Southampton since joining from Lech Poznan in 2017. Known for his leadership and consistency, the Polish international is expected to play a vital role in helping Porto regain the Primeira Liga title after finishing third last season. Porto ended that campaign eleven points behind the league champions Sporting, and the club is keen to improve both domestically and in the UEFA Champions League, where they have secured group stage qualification.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR PORTO AND BEDNAREK?

Porto kick off their Primeira Liga season next month, hosting Vitoria SC, who finished 5th last season. Porto sit second in the pre-season odds with Sporting CP top and Benfica just one point behind them. Bednarek is expected to slot straight into Porto’s starting eleven, reinforcing a defense that conceded 30 goals last term. The immediate focus will be on the league opener, with Bednarek aiming to help Porto start strong and close the gap to title rivals. Southampton, meanwhile, begin life in the Championship hoping to rebuild for promotion.