Former Porto ace Chainho believes Marko Grujic’s return from Liverpool could see Spurs target Sergio Oliveira leave the Portuguese powerhouses, speaking to Bola Branca.
It’s worth pointing out that at the Estadio do Dragao last season Grujic and Oliveira often played together at the heart of Sergio Conceicao’s midfield.
So although the Serbia international completed a £10.5 million permanent switch to the Primeira Liga outfit yesterday, that doesn’t automatically mean Porto are planning for life without one of their longest-serving players.
Academy graduate Oliveira enjoyed the best season of his career in 2020/21. A man previously seen as a deep-lying midfielder blossomed unexpectedly into a prolific goalscorer, finding the net 20 times in all competitions.
At the age of 29, he’s only just entering his prime too.
So, despite reports linking Oliveira with Tottenham Hotspur and a number of Serie A clubs, you’d think Porto would do their level best to retain his services, regardless of Grujic’s return.
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“Grujic was an asset to Porto in the final part of last season. (His return) is good news because this is a perfect marriage,” says Chainho, who won five trophies in three years at the coastal club.
“In addition, he knows the structure and dynamics of the team and no longer needs time to adapt. He is a player Sergio Conceicao likes. I think this year he will have a bigger role and will score more goals.
“Sergio Oliveira is on the market and is an attractive player, a player of great quality, and there are many sharks who want him.
“With Grujic, Sergio can stay because Porto will play many games in various competitions and they need quality midfielders.
“But I believe Sergio Oliveira will be able to leave by the end of the market.”
As it stands, Tottenham’s interest in the £17 million-rated Portugal international remains shrouded in mystery.
Oliveira was briefly linked with Spurs at the time Gennaro Gattuso – who who also wanted him at Fiorentina – was expected to take over in north London.
Nuno Espirito Santo also knows Oliveira well from his time at Porto, however, and a move to England shouldn’t be ruled out just yet.
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