Porto’s Imbula purchase proves Dragons can deal with losses

“I came here for the confidence relayed in me and for the sporting project I was shown. Leaving Marseille over Porto feels like I’m moving up in my career and I hope I’m able to confirm all the hopes the team has in me,” the all-action midfielder said upon his arrival.

Dynamic and energetic, Imbula is superb value, so Porto can focus on supplementing other areas of their squad now that they have once again added steel and potential in the centre of the park.

Watch Imbula’s highlights:

As Cameroon attacker Vincent Aboubakar appears the natural successor for former marksman Martinez, having struck eight goals plus four assists in 20 outings across all competitions, and filled in when the prolific poacher was injured, it makes sense that the Dragons lured Alberto Bueno on a Bosman.

The 27-year-old can play anywhere in attack, having arrived from Spanish side Rayo Vallecano, so will not stunt Aboubakar’s progress, but can act as a safety net should the young striker struggle, or a supporting act should he thrive.

As for looking for solutions from within, Porto should not panic about the exit of Atleti talent Torres, as Dragons academy graduates set to return to their parent club, after successful loan spells and UEFA Under-12 Champions exploits with Portugal, include adaptable Toze and Sergio Oliveira.

Julen Lopetegui can already call on the likes of Yacine Brahimi, Bruno Martins Indi, Alex Sandro, Barcelona-owned Cristian Tello and Juan Quintero in what is a squad with a strong spine so, while second spot in the Portuguese Primeira Liga and a 7-4 aggregate Champions League quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich may not be a bad season on paper, more will be expected this time around.

The juggernauts will surely still add more depth or a further sprinkling of attacking star dust, and perhaps another young player can emerge to enthrall the Stadio do Dragao, but for now Porto look to have done prudent business once again.