Fabio Silva has become the joint fourth biggest departure in FC Porto’s history, having brought in 40 million euros in transfer funding.
The Portuguese youngster’s transfer fee matches that which was paid for both Brazilian winger Hulk back in 2012, when Zenit St Petersburg paid 40 million euros for Porto’s impressive forward, and Colombian star striker Falcao, who joined Atletico Madrid in 2011.
It also surpasses the money that was paid for some of the top talents that have passed through the club, such as the 38 million euros paid for both Andre Silva and Jackson Martinez, the 30 million euros paid by Real Madrid for each of central defender Pepe and right back Danilo, and the 25 million euros that it took for Monaco to take Joao Moutinho away from the club back in 2013.
The only three stars that have brought in more money for Porto are James Rodriguez, who Monaco brought in alongside Joao Moutinho in the 2013-14 season for 45 million euros, Eliaquim Mangala who switched Portugal for England as he joined Manchester City for the same fee, and Eder Militao, who joined Real Madrid last summer in a deal worth 50 million euros.
Silva is also the most expensive Portuguese player to have ever been sold by Porto, a record previously held by Andre Silva, while no 18-year old has ever been sold by Porto for more than a couple of million euros before this move took place.
Silva is also the 7th most expensive ever teenage footballer, above the likes of Wayne Rooney, Renato Sanches and Gabriel Jesus.