At the Dragon Stadium, André Villas-Boas, the president of FC Porto, painted a picture of financial confidence for the club’s future. He spoke about more than just numbers. He highlighted a crucial move, the “Dragon Notes” operation. This initiative placed 115 million euros in bonds on the American market. These bonds mature in 25 years and carry an annual interest rate of 5.62%. Villas-Boas made it clear: without this daring financial step, FC Porto might not be the members-owned club it is today.
The club’s financial teams received high praise for their “remarkable” work. Villas-Boas pointed to a deep shift in how the club manages its money. He linked this change directly to the Dragon Notes, another operation called Ithaka, and player sales. He stressed that FC Porto could not have fixed its finances without these bold actions. Looking ahead to 2025/26, the club sees a very positive future. He also thanked the members for their loyalty. Membership growth is strong, not just from the April 2024 elections, but from a true desire by fans to belong.
Beyond immediate figures, long-term plans are also taking shape. A new High-Performance Center is in the works. The land has been bought, and the licensing process is underway. Everything is by the book. The club must now decide how to fund it, either through a partnership or using its own money. Once approved, construction will take about eighteen months to two years.
Regarding the playing squad, the president confirmed a balanced team. However, injuries have hit hard, especially De Jong and Nehuén Pérez. So, signing a central defender in January is a possibility. This could be a purchase or a loan, a decision to be made with the coach. He added that significant financial results from last January’s transfer window helped build the current team. Looking ahead, player values are growing, with most players being 100% owned by the club. For FC Porto, it’s vital to win the title, reach the Champions League, and also be smart in the transfer market. This helps the club stay strong. Talented players mean other clubs will come calling.
What about future market moves? Villas-Boas admits it’s tough to predict years ahead. Changes in TV rights and the Champions League format make long-term forecasting hard. Still, the Dragon Notes operation brings a major responsibility, a 25-year commitment. He reiterated its importance: “Without it, FC Porto would not be a members’ club like it is now, and how we want it to be forever.” The club is committed to fulfilling this and all its other promises.