Representatives from Ipswich Town and Brentford were again spotted at the Dragao, where Porto triumphed over Benfica with a score of 3-1. Both English clubs were noted among those who sent scouts to the match.
Interestingly, Ipswich and Brentford's scouting efforts have extended beyond this game, as they were also present for Porto's match against Manchester City earlier this month. Their return to Portugal suggests a keen interest in several players from both clubs.
Who are Ipswich and Brentford watching?
During the earlier match against Manchester City, scouts may have focused on Jakub Kiwior and Martim Fernandes. Also on their radar were Borja Sainz and Fransisco Moura.
Sainz certainly caught attention by netting a goal in Porto's match just before facing Benfica.
This time around, some Porto players, who don’t always feature prominently in the European market, delivered noteworthy performances.
Pepe, 29, played a crucial role for Porto, providing an exquisite assist that allowed Gabriel Veiga to strike first.
Another standout was Pablo Rosario. The 29-year-old midfielder initiated the attack that led to Victor Froeholdt's goal, and he also made a vital defensive block in the first half.
For Ipswich and Brentford, these players could be of immediate interest for bolstering their squads, rather than for future resale.
Froeholdt catches the eye, but Veiga may be more attainable
Victor Froeholdt was one of the standout performers of the match.
The 20-year-old midfielder marked his return from a concussion by scoring a goal and showcasing an intense presence in the centre of the pitch. His display demonstrated exactly why he is being watched by larger European clubs.
However, this interest could complicate a potential transfer for Ipswich or Brentford if they have their sights set on Froeholdt.
Conversely, Gabriel Veiga offers a different situation.
The 24-year-old Spaniard is well-known after his rise in Spain and subsequent move to Saudi Arabia. In the match against Benfica, Veiga was dynamically involved, scoring after Pepe's assist.
For English clubs, this type of profile might be particularly appealing if they need a player capable of delivering results in the Premier League right away.
It’s also worth noting the contributions of striker Andre Silva. Although he didn’t find the net himself, he played a key role in two goal-scoring opportunities in the second half.
Benfica also has several interesting options
Scouts from the English clubs might also have kept an eye on players from Benfica.
Despite conceding three goals, Samuel Soares had a commendable game. The goalkeeper made several crucial saves, underlining his development.
The 24-year-old is currently Benfica's first-choice keeper, making him a potential target for clubs exploring the goalkeeping market.
One significant prospect for attention was Gianluca Prestiani.
The 20-year-old Argentine operated mainly on the left, constantly causing problems for Porto's defence. His individual skill created moments, and he significantly contributed to Alexander Bah's goal, which was Benfica’s only strike.
Vangelis Pavlidis didn’t score this time, but his physicality and movement troubled Porto’s central defenders.
A second visit in just a few weeks
It remains unclear exactly which player prompted Ipswich and Brentford to send their representatives to Dragao.
However, both clubs’ renewed interest after watching Porto face Manchester City is noteworthy. In just a few weeks, the scouts had the opportunity to assess a whole group of players from Porto and Benfica in a high-stakes match.
