Porto have officially confirmed the permanent signing of Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior for a fee of £14.6 million (€17 million), with the deal including potential add-ons of up to €5 million (£4.3 million). The 26-year-old Poland international, who spent the season on loan at the Portuguese club, has signed a four-year contract that also features a €70 million (£60 million) release clause.
Kiwior's Impact at Porto
Kiwior joined Porto on loan in September and quickly became an integral part of their defence. Alongside compatriot Jan Bednarek and former Chelsea star Thiago Silva, he helped form a formidable backline that conceded just 15 league goals all season. Under manager Francesco Farioli, Porto lost only one league game and secured the Primeira Liga title for the first time since 2022, with two matches to spare.
Financial Details
Arsenal, who originally signed Kiwior from Spezia in January 2023 for £21 million, will also receive €2 million (£1.7 million) from any future sale of the defender. The move provides Arsenal with a significant financial boost as they prepare for the summer transfer window, potentially helping to fund Mikel Arteta's squad rebuild as they aim to defend the Premier League title.
Kiwior's Arsenal Career
During his two-and-a-half-year stint at Arsenal, Kiwior made 68 appearances, primarily serving as third-choice centre-back behind William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. The highlight of his Gunners career came in last season's Champions League quarter-finals, where he delivered two excellent performances against Real Madrid.
Kiwior had previously sought a move away from Arsenal, with reports indicating that Arteta blocked his exit on multiple occasions. However, during pre-season, the defender directly requested a transfer. Speaking to Polish outlet Laczy Nas Pilka, Kiwior explained: "The earlier conversation, when I asked for the loan, was more difficult. I'd never done this before [asked to leave], but I felt the time had come to speak with him face-to-face. He understood me and supported me."
Porto's Success and Future
Porto's title win ensures their return to the Champions League next season. Despite being eliminated by Nottingham Forest in the Europa League quarter-finals and exiting the Taca de Portugal, the club's domestic triumph marks a successful campaign. Kiwior, who has been deployed both as a centre-back and on the left side of a back four, made 33 starts and four substitute appearances for Porto this season.
