Tottenham loanee Souza is still waiting to make his Porto debut, but things are finally starting to fall his way.
The 20-year-old hasn’t played a competitive minute since moving to Portugal on deadline day. He’s made the bench four times, against Moreirense, Manchester City, Casa Pia and Benfica, without getting on.
Porto haven’t forgotten about him, though. Quite the opposite.
Souza has been getting work behind the scenes as manager Francesco Farioli helps him adapt to his system. Now, with Porto suddenly short of options at left-back, his first appearance could be getting closer.
Farioli sees Souza as potential starter
A Bola report that Souza is viewed as a potential starter by Farioli, who made strengthening at left-back one of his priorities during the summer.
Souza’s competition has also suddenly thinned out even more. Francisco Moura is currently the only fully fit senior left-back. Zaidu remains sidelined with an adductor problem, while Martim Fernandes is now dealing with a calf injury.
But Friday should provide the next step. Porto face Deportivo La Coruña in a friendly at the Riazor, with several players unavailable through injury or international duty. A Bola say Souza has a strong chance of featuring.
It would be another unofficial appearance after he played in a training match against Académica, but this one offers a bigger stage to show Farioli he’s ready.
There are competitive opportunities coming quickly afterwards as well. Souza is registered for the Champions League, with Porto travelling to Real Betis on October 14.
| Souza — senior stats at Santos | 2024 | 2025 | Total in Brazil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 9 | 29 | 38 |
| Starts | 3 | 22 | 25 |
| Minutes played | 318 | 1,911 | 2,229 |
| Goals | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Assists | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Roberto Carlos backs him
Souza has also received a rather nice endorsement while waiting for his opportunity. Brazil legend Roberto Carlos spoke about the Tottenham loanee at the Portugal Football Summit and made it clear he rates him highly.
“I don’t like making comparisons. He joined Porto because he has quality,” O Jogo quote him as saying.
“He played really well at Santos. Of course he was a great signing. I’m absolutely certain he’ll deliver what they expect from him on the pitch. He’s a top-level player.”
The waiting hasn’t been ideal for Souza after leaving Tottenham in search of football.
Still, being viewed as a potential starter changes the picture considerably. With Porto suddenly short at left-back, Friday could be the first proper chance for him to start showing why Farioli wanted another option there.
