Most expensive U19 entry
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FC Porto has won the courtship for top Polish talent Oskar Pietuszewski. The 17-year-old brings Jagiellonia Bialystok record earnings and receives what at first glance seems to be an unusual contract. Pietuszewski signed with the Dragões until January 5, 2029 – so the working paper ends in the middle of the season. Minors are only allowed to conclude contracts for a maximum of three years. The mandatory exit clause is 60 million euros.
Numerous top clubs such as Bundesliga giants FC Bayern, BVB and RB Leipzig or FC Barcelona and Man City are said to have dealt with Pietuszewski. However, those around him chose the still unbeaten Portuguese league leaders as the best next step. There the U21 national player is taken under the wing of his compatriots Jan Bednarek (29) and Jakub Kiwior (25).
For Pietuszewski’s services, FC Porto will pay Jagiellonia Bialystok 10 million euros – a record fee. Only three departures from the Ekstraklasa were slightly more expensive. On the Porto side, the offensive talent, who is given the number 77, also displaces William Gomes (19) as the most expensive new signing under the age of 18. Jagiellonia could also benefit from a resale of 10 percent.
Pietuszewski made his debut for Jagiellonia Bialystok at the age of 16 years and three months, for which the homegrown player contributed four goals and three assists in 54 games. The club cites the left winger as a prime example of the path they have taken with a great focus on their own academy. During the sale, a special focus was placed on the future of the jewel and not just on the big money.
“In making this decision, we were guided above all by our respect for the development path taken by Oskar and the will of him and those closest to him. The most important thing was to create a situation in which all parties are fully satisfied, and I feel that we have succeeded in doing that. The agreement we have worked out is the best solution for everyone involved. Now all that remains is to keep our fingers crossed for the further development of Pieti’s career in such a big club. We are very proud that a young player from Jagiellonia can move to a big club like FC Porto,” said sporting director Lukasz Maslowski.
