Porto Lock Down Midfielder Rodrigo Mora with Long-Term Deal Featuring €70 Million Clause

FC Porto have successfully secured the future of one of their brightest academy products, Rodrigo Mora, by finalizing a new long-term contract that will keep the prodigious talent at Estádio do Dragão until 2030.

As confirmed by renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the agreement includes a mammoth €70 million release clause—a clear testament to the club’s ambition to fend off European interest and underline the midfielder’s growing stature in world football.

A New Era for Mora at the Dragão

The official unveiling of the new deal is slated for May, but the decision marks a significant moment in Mora’s burgeoning career. Having joined the Porto youth system at just nine years old, the teenager has rapidly evolved into a linchpin within the first team, showcasing a blend of technical brilliance and mental fortitude far beyond his years.

This season, Mora has tallied nine goals and three assists across 32 appearances, cementing his place as one of the most influential young players in Portugal. In the league alone, he’s already amassed eight goals and three assists in just 19 outings, an output that reflects his consistent impact in the final third.

Premier League Giants Take Notice

Mora’s exceptional campaign has inevitably drawn the attention of European heavyweights, most notably Manchester United. As reported earlier this month by Stretty News, scouts from Old Trafford were dispatched to monitor the teenager’s performances live during two league fixtures, further amplifying speculation of a summer swoop.

However, Porto’s timely move to secure their prized asset with a long-term commitment has effectively dampened those hopes—at least for now. The contract doesn’t entirely eliminate the possibility of a future departure, but it significantly boosts the club’s negotiating power.

United’s Transfer Strategy Stumbles Again

The Red Devils have been particularly active in scouting Portuguese prospects, with Ruben Amorim reportedly eager to attract familiar faces to Carrington should he take the reins at United. But the Premier League side’s pursuit of rising Iberian stars has been riddled with setbacks. They recently lost out on Geovany Quenda, who chose Chelsea over a move to Manchester.

In turning their gaze toward Rodrigo Mora, the club hoped to land a creative dynamo known for his “cheeky” playing style—one that blends flamboyant footwork with a no-fear mentality. At just 17, Mora has already proven capable of performing under pressure, routinely delivering when it matters most for Porto.

Porto’s Tactical Retention Plan

By inserting a €70 million release clause, Porto have not only affirmed their belief in Mora’s long-term value but also signaled to interested clubs that negotiations won’t come easy. With financial constraints looming large at Manchester United, who have endured several seasons of economic strain, such a fee might be a deal-breaker.

INEOS, who are expected to oversee major revamps this summer, may be hesitant to shell out such a hefty sum for a teenager—no matter how promising. Given the club’s recent focus on sustainable investments and multi-positional reinforcements, a single high-risk gamble on a largely untested talent may not align with their strategic objectives.

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