Pablo Rosario Set for FC Porto Move From Nice

FC Porto are set to sign experienced midfielder Pablo Rosario from OGC Nice for €3.75 million. The 28-year-old will arrive in Portugal today to undergo his medical tests and sign a three-year contract, as confirmed by recent reports on the deal.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Pablo Rosario is joining Porto from Nice in a deal worth €3.75 million. This marks a reunion with coach Francesco Farioli, who managed Rosario at Nice during the 2023/24 season. Negotiations took time because Al Shabab from Saudi Arabia also tried to sign him. Rosario sat out important matches for Nice while waiting for the move to happen.

Rosario played only 27 minutes in Nice’s opening Ligue 1 match this season as he awaited his transfer, which was completed on August 27. He leaves Nice after four seasons and 100 league appearances, and was valued at €8 million by Transfermarkt at the time of his transfer.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR PORTO

Pablo Rosario strengthens Porto’s midfield and also provides a defensive midfield and center-back option. Rosario will be an alternative to Alan Varela, and his arrival could lead to a loan move for Tomás Pérez in order to get more playing time. FC Porto is keen to strengthen their back line as they aim for success under new coach Francesco Farioli.

Porto have had a mixed start to the 2025/26 Primeira Liga season, and are currently top in the league, level on points with Moreirense, Sporting and Benfica after three matches. They will hope that Rosario’s experience will help them close the gap on their fierce rivals as the season progresses.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ROSARIO AND PORTO

Pablo Rosario will undergo a medical in Portugal in the next two days, and is then expected to be unveiled as a new Porto player following the completion of his medical tests. Porto’s next match is against Sporting CP in the Primeira Liga. The Dragons are level on points with the current champions, and every point will be vital at this early point of the season.

If Rosario completes his transfer in time, he could make his debut for Porto this weekend. Coach Farioli will look to the experienced midfielder to bring some much-needed stability to Porto’s starting lineup.