Porto pave the way for fire sale

Just as things seem to be taking a turn for better on the pitch for FC Porto, prospects of a longer-term revival have been hit by the news the club are aiming to raise a staggering 116 million euros in player sales during and after the current season.

A forecast in the consolidated financial accounts for 2016/17, published on Wednesday, lists the astronomical figure from prospective outgoing transfers, which is required to cover costs.

According to the figures, even if this sum is achieved Porto’s expenditure is so high that it will lead to a profit of barely €3 million.

Three years of poor performance and no trophies have led to a reduction in operating income, during a time in which the wage bill has never been higher.

The recently reported results for the last financial year make for grim reading, with a loss of €58m, and the club is worried that it will fall foul of UEFA’s financial fair play rules.

 

Porto plan to raise €115,781 through player sales

 

And yesterday’s news has got people wondering who will be sold to raise the money needed to balance the books.

Meanwhile, Porto coach Nuno Espírito Santo insists the news about possible player sales will not affect his work. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Vitória Setúbal, Nuno said: “This is something that has no bearing on the coaching staff. Our job is to prepare the players as well as we can to make sure we have a competitive team.”

Porto will be aiming for a 5th straight win against the Sadinos, ahead of a crucial week in which they host Club Brugge in the Champions League and Liga NOS leaders Benfica in the space of four days.

by Tom Kundert