Full Breakdown
Porto Secures Permanent Transfer of Arsenal Defender Jakub Kiwior
5/6/2026, 6:38:04 PM
Transfer and Immediate Context
On 5 May 2026, FC Porto exercised its €17 million purchase option for Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior, confirming the permanent deal on the day Arsenal began the Champions League semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid. Porto had just secured the 2025-26 Primeira Liga title; Arsenal lead the Premier League by five points with three games left.
Player Background
Jakub Kiwior joined Arsenal from Spezia in January 2023 for a reported £20 million, making 68 appearances over two-and-a-half seasons, mainly as a backup to William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães. He moved to Porto on loan in September 2025, started 25 league matches, and helped the Portuguese side concede only 15 goals en route to the title.
Transfer Terms
Porto will pay a fixed €17 million fee, with up to €5 million in performance-related add-ons. Kiwior signed a contract through June 2030 that includes a €70 million release clause. Arsenal will retain a €2 million sell-on right on any future transfer.
Official Statements
FC Porto announced the activation of the purchase option and detailed the €17 million fee plus variable component. Arsenal’s website posted a congratulatory note to Kiwior, praising his contribution to Porto’s title win.
Impact on Arsenal
Losing Kiwior reduces defensive depth ahead of the Atlético semi-final and the season’s final league fixtures. Arteta is expected to rely on Saliba, Magalhães, Cristian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list the base fee as €17 million (£14.5 million), £14.6 million or £14.7 million. The variable add-on is reported as €5 million, £4.3 million or £5 million. The release clause appears as €70 million or £60.4 million. The sell-on clause is described as “a small bonus” or a fixed €2 million.
Verbatim Quotes
- “FC Porto has exercised the purchase option stipulated in the loan agreement with Arsenal FC and will now permanently own the sporting registration rights and 100% of the economic rights of Jakub Kiwior for a fixed fee of €17 million, plus a maximum variable remuneration of €5 million depending on the achievement of certain objectives,” — FC Porto statement
- “We already knew then that I would go on loan to Porto.” — Jakub Kiwior, interview with Laczy Nas Pilka
- “The coach emphasised how big the club was and wished me luck.” — Jakub Kiwior, reflecting on his conversation with Mikel Arteta
- “Congratulations from all of us at Arsenal go to Jakub Kiwior, who lifted the Liga Portugal title with Porto after a 1-0 win over Alverca on Sunday night.” — Arsenal FC announcement
What’s Next
Porto will incorporate Kiwior into its squad for the 2026-27 Champions League, while Arsenal must reshuffle its defence for the Atlético semi-final and the remaining Premier League matches.
