5 FC Porto Quarter-Finalists Who Would Excel at Bigger Clubs
On the list of clubs who fulfill dreams for many burgeoning stars in world football, FC Porto must be a top candidate.
In the modern day, Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez, Hulk, Joao Moutinho, Pepe, Eliaquim Mangala and countless others have used the Portuguese side as a launching pad for better things.
The talent held at the Estadio do Dragao is oft sought from clubs in Europe's top-five leagues; currently three points off first place in the Primeira Liga, this Porto side should be no different come the summer transfer window.
Here are five players who should succeed if signed by a "bigger club."
Danilo, 23
Proving the best evidence of Porto's nurturing culture, Real Madrid have taken notice of Danilo.
Los Blancos' official website announced on 31 March they had signed the Brazilian right-back—with him moving to Spain next season. The Times' Gabriele Marcotti reported the deal's fees and add-ons equal £28.5 million, which suggests Real's plan for the Porto defender is extensive.
How Carlo Ancelotti plans to integrate the 23-year-old and already existing right-back Dani Carvajal remains to be seen, but for the money spent, the Spanish giants must suspect (as should we) Danilo has something their squad lacks.
Hector Miguel Herrera, 24
An Olympic goal medalist in 2012 with Mexico, and a key component in FC Porto's current midfield structure, it may be time for Hector Miguel Herrera to upgrade—if not get paid.
The Mexican international is arguably his country's best player, and he has taken his opportunity in Portugal with great aplomb. Though in Europe's last eight in the 2014/15 Champions League, Porto are a team one can advance from without too much questioning or backlash.
Herrera, after two seasons in Porto, should look bigger; likewise—turning 25 this April—clubs in the top-five leagues should see the central midfielder as a solid addition.
Bruno Martins Indi, 23
Teams around Europe often want their talent now. You rarely see upper-echelon clubs buy half-completed projects and expect them to shine—Bruno Martins Indi is such a dilemma.
A member of the Netherlands' 2014 World Cup squad, Martins Indi (who is Portuguese by birth) has become a first-team regular for the Dutch, and he is becoming a factor defensively for Porto—but he has not completed his development.
Bought last summer for £6.1 million, Martins Indi leaving this summer would seem premature; what is best for the 23-year-old, Porto and his next club would be honing his craft in Portugal, then scooping him up in 2016 or 2017.
Yacine Brahimi, 25
In 26 appearances this season, Yacine Brahimi has scored 11 goals—fantastic considering he is an attacking midfielder and playing his inaugural season with FC Porto.
Bought for €6.5 million after the 2014 World Cup from Spanish outfit Granada, the Parisian-born Algerian international has exceeded expectations in 2014/15.
The clever-dribbling attacker should be on the radar of many clubs in the top-five European competitions. Projecting where Brahimi should land, however, is a tougher task than announcing he can play higher. After just one season, talent poachers might wait a while longer to pry him from Porto.
Jackson Martinez, 28
How Jackson Martinez has remained an FC Porto player into the 2015 summer transfer window is rather curious. The 28-year-old striker has scored 63 goals in 83 Primeira Liga matches and should be plying his trade in a larger pond.
Seemingly linked with Arsenal every transfer window since 2013/14, this summer looks ideal for Martinez to make his big-money, big-club move.
If Fichajes.net's (h/t Jamie Sanderson of the Metro) report is accurate, the conclusion is only a matter of time away—as Arsene Wenger's club are preparing £25.4 million for the No. 9's signature.
*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase.com where not noted.