Goalkeeper Samuel Portugal, a figure often seen but never truly played for FC Porto’s main squad, is embarking on a new journey. He is heading to Saudi Arabia, joining the club Al Akhdoud. This move confirms what the sports newspaper Record first reported.
This isn’t a permanent farewell just yet. It’s a loan deal that will keep Portugal at Al Akhdoud until June 30, 2026. FC Porto will receive a loan fee of $250,000, which is about 215,000 euros. There’s also a clear path for a permanent transfer. Al Akhdoud has the option to buy him for $2 million, or around 1.7 million euros. FC Porto was quick to point out that no intermediary or agent was involved in this agreement.
Samuel Portugal spent three full seasons at FC Porto. Despite his time there, he never got to play a single game for the first team. This fact is quite a talking point, considering he was a significant investment for the club. In fact, he was the second most expensive goalkeeper ever signed by FC Porto, trailing only Agustín Marchesín. After years on the bench, he is now leaving the “Dragon” stadium. This move could very well mark a permanent end to his time with Porto.