FC Porto stunned visitors and their own fans alike when, shortly before kick‑off of the club’s annual presentation match, a 34‑year‑old former PSV legend emerged from the tunnel wearing the Dragon’s No. 26 shirt.
Minutes later, the announced 1‑0 pre‑season win over Atlético Madrid felt secondary to the headline moment: the silver‑haired striker Luuk de Jong, revealed as Porto’s latest signing, introduced without a single leak, shock transfer expert Fabrizio Romano included.
The club confirmed that De Jong has signed a one‑year deal with an option for a second, arriving on a free transfer following his PSV contract expiry, and will don the No. 26 jersey for the 2025/26 season.
The decision to keep the deal under wraps until the moment of unveiling struck many as old‑school brilliance in an age defined by 24/7 transfer speculation.
De Jong himself admitted in his first post‑match interview: “I never thought the transfer could be so quiet, but we managed it. We really tried to keep the circle very small, it was possible to surprise the fans and I think it was very good. I was really excited to step onto the field and with the fans cheering, it was spectacular.”
He added that he was “super happy” to wear the No. 26 jersey of “a great club” in front of a crowd whose size and passion he never expected.
This marks the Dutch international’s first appearance in the Primeira Liga, following a storied career spanning De Graafschap, Twente, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Newcastle United, Sevilla, Barcelona (on loan), and two successful spells at PSV.
According to Porto’s official announcement, across those stints he tallied 186 goals in 338 official games for PSV alone, won five Dutch league titles including last season’s Eredivisie, and earned 39 full caps for the Netherlands.
At PSV in 2024/25, De Jong enjoyed one of his most productive campaigns, netting 18 goals and adding 11 assists in 47 appearances as PSV reclaimed the league crown.
Porto see him as a “reforço surpresa” who combines experience, aerial supremacy and a proven ability to score in the tightest of games, bolstering Francesco Farioli’s attacking options.
The transfer had domestic contenders, too: Sevilla, his former Europa League club, and Italy’s Fiorentina were reportedly interested.
De Jong told record.pt, “I’m an adventurer… I choose a different challenge, I want to live the culture and football of other countries,” and he admitted that once Porto approached, he began researching the stadium and supporters, “I was immediately convinced.”
Manager Francesco Farioli, fresh from guiding Ajax to second place in last season’s Eredivisie, called the signing a statement of ambition.
“He’s a leader, with a top mentality, with trophies,” said Farioli after the match, adding that De Jong’s combination of experience, winning instincts and professionalism should help Porto grow as a unit.
It is clear that Porto will use him as a complement to Samu, the 21‑year‑old Spanish striker who was top scorer for the Dragons last term, and Deniz Gül, the young Turk fast rising in their ranks.
With Evanilson sold last summer, Porto needed a figure who can deliver in big moments and help guide younger forwards, a role De Jong seems tailor‑made for.
His arrival did not just dominate the pitch; it resonated with tragic poignancy.
The presentation game was also a moving tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, both former Porto players killed in a traffic accident on 3 July; the club organised an emotional pre‑match ceremony.
In that context, De Jong’s unexpected entrance felt like a fresh chapter amid grief, one that linked past and future while stirring hope among the “Nação Portista”.
Tactically, De Jong embodies what Farioli needs as he builds his version of Porto: an athletic, combative target man who excels in dead-ball situations and work-rate in the box.
A known specialist in aerial duels—with over two-thirds of his goals at PSV coming via headers—he also offers physical presence for set-piece dominance and hold-up play.
On the ground, his improved link-up play and movement in the channel make him a useful option for Farioli’s brigade who preference many short passing sequences through midfield before committing runners.
Although he turned 35 on 27 August, De Jong’s fitness is considered excellent.
The club physios highlight that he escaped major injury last season, and that his durability remains high: in 657 career matches he has played 500+, scoring 283 goals across club commitments—proof of both his resilience and professionalism.