Official: Manchester United legend changes clubs

Chris Smalling is back in European football and has immediately taken on a new challenge in Portugal.

Details: Porto have officially announced the signing of 36-year-old English centre-back Chris Smalling. The defender joins the Dragons as a free agent after leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Fayha, where he spent the previous two seasons. According to Portuguese reports, Smalling has signed until the end of the 2026/27 campaign, with an option to extend the agreement for another season.

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For Smalling, the move marks a return to European club football after his spell in Saudi Arabia. Before moving to Al-Fayha, the experienced centre-back spent several seasons with Roma and was part of the Italian club's UEFA Conference League-winning squad in 2022.

However, the English defender is still best remembered for his long spell at Manchester United. Smalling represented the Red Devils from 2010 to 2020, making 323 appearances in all competitions and scoring 18 goals. During that period, he collected major domestic trophies and also lifted the Europa League.

It is worth noting that Smalling also earned 31 caps for the England national team. At 36, he now adds considerable experience to Porto's defensive options as the Portuguese giants continue their 2026/27 campaign.

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