FC Porto Eyes Ajax Reunion: Francesco Farioli Linked to Tahirovic Ahead of World Cup

FC Porto is reportedly looking to strengthen its squad with a familiar face for head coach Francesco Farioli. According to reports from A Bola, the Portuguese club is interested in Tahirovic, a player who previously worked under Farioli during the coach’s tenure at Ajax during the 2024/25 season.

The potential move comes at a pivotal moment for the Primeira Liga side, as Farioli manages a demanding schedule that has already forced him to rotate his squad to maintain performance levels. The interest in Tahirovic is seen as a strategic move to bring in a player who is already well-versed in Farioli’s tactical demands.

The Farioli Connection

The link between the coach and the player was forged in Amsterdam. Francesco Farioli served as the head coach of Ajax starting in May 2024, where he managed Tahirovic throughout the 2024/25 campaign. While Farioli resigned from his position at Ajax after one season, the professional relationship established there is now serving as a catalyst for this potential transfer to Porto.

Farioli’s arrival at FC Porto in July 2025 marked a fresh chapter for the Italian manager, who has quickly turn into a central figure in the club’s current project. His history of rapid ascent in coaching—moving from goalkeeping roles in Italy and Qatar to head coaching positions in Turkey, France, and the Netherlands—suggests a preference for specific player profiles that fit his philosophical approach to the game.

World Cup Stakes and Squad Depth

Adding a layer of complexity and prestige to the transfer rumors is the fact that Tahirovic is expected to participate in the upcoming World Cup. For FC Porto, securing a player with international tournament experience and a proven track record under their current manager could provide a significant boost to their competitive edge.

The necessitate for reinforcements is not merely a preference but a necessity. Recent reports indicate that Farioli has been forced to rotate his squad heavily to navigate a key run of fixtures. Increasing the depth of the roster with players like Tahirovic would allow the Italian coach more flexibility in his selections without sacrificing tactical cohesion.

This pursuit of talent is part of a broader effort by Farioli to reshape the Porto squad. The club has already seen the emergence of new prospects, such as Oskar Pietuszewski, who has been described as the “new Lewandowski” under Farioli’s guidance.

Francesco Farioli’s Path to Porto

To understand why Farioli seeks specific players like Tahirovic, it is helpful to look at the coach’s unconventional journey. Farioli did not follow the traditional path to management; he studied philosophy and sports science at the University of Florence before specializing as a goalkeeping coach.

His early career saw him working with Margine Coperta, Fortis Juventus, and Lucchese in Italy’s Serie C, followed by a stint at the Aspire Academy in Qatar. It was during his time at Aspire that he met influential figures like Roberto De Zerbi, whom he later followed to Benevento and Sassuolo. This exposure to modern, possession-based football has defined his managerial style, which he exported to Turkey with Fatih Karagümrük and Alanyaspor, and later to France with Nice.

Since taking the reins at Porto in July 2025, Farioli has focused on implementing a system that requires high tactical intelligence and versatility—traits he believes Tahirovic possesses.

Tactical Implications for FC Porto

The potential acquisition of Tahirovic would likely be aimed at solving specific structural issues within the current Porto lineup. By bringing in a player who understands the “Farioli way,” the club reduces the integration time typically required for new signings.

For global readers, the Primeira Liga is one of Europe’s most competitive environments, where the pressure to perform in both domestic competitions and European stages is constant. The ability to rotate the squad without a drop in quality is often the difference between a title challenge and a mid-table finish.

As the transfer window and World Cup preparations progress, the Porto faithful will be watching closely to see if this Ajax reunion becomes a reality. The move would signal Farioli’s intent to fully align the Porto squad with the tactical vision he has developed over the last several years across Europe.

The next confirmed checkpoint for the club will be the upcoming fixture list, where Farioli’s current rotation strategies will be put to the test before any new arrivals are finalized.

Do you think Tahirovic is the right fit for Farioli’s Porto? Share your thoughts in the comments below.