So Chris Smalling is signing for Porto. On a free. At 35. I've seen enough of these moves to know how they usually go, but I'm trying to keep an open mind. The reaction online has been mixed, to say the least. Some fans are fuming, others are shrugging, and a few are trying to convince themselves it's a masterstroke. Let's break it down.
Is Smalling just a poor man's Thiago Silva?
The obvious comparison is Thiago Silva. Both are veteran centre-backs who've had long careers at big clubs. But the similarities end there. Silva, even at 40, was still bossing it in Brazil. He played over 45 matches in his final season there before joining Porto, and the year before that he was still putting in shifts in the Premier League for Chelsea. He wasn't just hanging on; he was genuinely one of the best defenders in the Brazilian league.
Smalling, on the other hand, barely played for Roma in 2023/24. Then he went to Saudi Arabia, which feels like the football equivalent of a retirement tour. He's been collecting paychecks rather than minutes. That's not to say he can't do a job, but the comparison to Silva falls flat when you look at recent playing time.
What does Smalling actually bring to Porto?
Experience. That's the main thing. He's played in the Premier League and Serie A, he's won trophies, and he knows how to defend in a low block. Porto's defence has been leaky at times, and maybe a veteran voice at the back helps. But at 35, with limited recent game time, how much can he really contribute? He's not going to play every week, and when he does, he'll be targeted for his lack of pace.
The flip side is that he's free. No transfer fee, probably reasonable wages. If he's fit and motivated, he could be a useful squad player. If he's not, it's a waste of a roster spot. The board seems to think it's worth the gamble. I'm not convinced.
Are Porto fans right to be underwhelmed?
I get it. When you see your club linked with a 35-year-old who hasn't played regularly in two years, it's hard to get excited. The reaction online was mostly apathy, with a few jokes about retirement homes. But let's be honest: Porto isn't in a position to sign prime defenders. They're shopping in the bargain bin, and Smalling is what's available.
Still, you'd hope for someone with a bit more recent pedigree. Someone who's been playing, not just training. The fact that he's been in Saudi Arabia suggests he's not exactly hungry for a challenge. But maybe he is. Maybe he's got a point to prove. I'll believe it when I see it.
What's the worst that could happen?
He could be another flop. Porto have had their share of those. But the risk is low. If he's terrible, he warms the bench. If he's decent, he's a cheap option. The bigger concern is that this signals a lack of ambition. Instead of investing in a younger defender, they're patching holes with veterans. That's not a recipe for long-term success.
But hey, maybe he'll surprise us. Maybe he'll be the next Pepe, who was still going strong at 40. Unlikely, but football is weird. I'll trust the board for now, but I'm not holding my breath.
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