FC Porto manager Farioli calls Rodrigo Mora transfer to Roma a financial decision

Transfer rationale and club finances

FC Porto manager Francesco Farioli addressed the departure of midfielder Rodrigo Mora to AS Roma during a press conference on Saturday, 22 August 2026. Speaking ahead of Sunday's Primeira Liga fixture against Arouca, Farioli explained that the move was strictly a financial decision for the club rather than a sporting exclusion. The transaction, valued at more than 50 million euros, constitutes the largest purchase in AS Roma history and ranks among the five highest outbound transfers in FC Porto history. Farioli noted that the club operates under a model that requires player sales to fund ongoing operations, attributing the institutional decision to FC Porto president André Villas-Boas.

The decision and the fact that Rodrigo is leaving is a financial decision. As you know, the deal of more than 50 million euros that was made represents the highest net value for the club. It is the biggest transfer in the history of Roma and one of the five biggest ever for FC Porto. Therefore, it was definitely a very good market opportunity that brought in the money that a club like Porto, which needs to sell to keep moving forward, needs.

Squad rotation and playing time data

Addressing media discussion regarding Mora's squad role, Farioli disputed claims that the player had been relegated to a third-choice option. To illustrate his squad management, the Italian manager presented comparative data between Mora and Spanish midfielder Gabri Veiga from the previous campaign. Mora accumulated 1,946 minutes across all competitions, including 1,177 minutes in domestic league play and 433 minutes in the Europa League. By comparison, Veiga recorded 2,699 total minutes, consisting of 1,622 league minutes and 442 Europa League minutes. Mora started 21 matches and made 23 appearances as a substitute, while Veiga started 31 fixtures.

Pre-match farewell at Rio Ave

Farioli emphasized that no personal conflict existed between himself and Mora, describing their working relationship as constructive throughout the season. He noted that Mora leaves the Portuguese club as a more complete team player after securing two titles with the squad. Before the recent away fixture against Rio Ave, with the transfer to Roma near completion, Farioli opted to bench Mora to avoid jeopardizing the pending agreement. In the dressing room before that match, Mora gave an address to his teammates focusing on his connection to FC Porto.

His speech was only about his love for Porto. He is a very young player, but he already has leadership and the ability to take on certain responsibilities.

Squad updates ahead of Arouca

Looking ahead to the third round of the domestic championship against Arouca, Farioli confirmed that midfielder Alan Varela is fit to return to the matchday squad. André Silva and Alberto Costa are also available for selection. In addition to Mora's departure, Porto's transfer window remains active. Italian side Bologna has made an inquiry to sign Croatian central defender Prpic on a loan deal with a purchase option, following his earlier 4.5 million euro transfer to Porto. Farioli declined to discuss potential interest in Mexican forward Santiago Giménez, but acknowledged openness to a potential return for Seko Fofana.