Former Manchester United and England defender Chris Smalling has officially signed with Portuguese league leaders Porto. After parting ways with Al-Fayha of the Saudi Pro League last summer, Smalling found himself without a club until this recent move.

At 36 years old, Smalling had been linked to a transfer to Rangers, but that deal ultimately fell through. His contract with Porto extends until the end of the season, with an option for an additional year.

Porto is currently dominating the league, having won all seven of their matches this season, which places them five points ahead of second-placed Benfica. However, the team faced a setback in their Champions League campaign, suffering a home defeat to Manchester City in their opening match.

Keen to continue his 19-year professional career, which began at non-league Maidstone, Smalling has had an illustrious journey. He has played for notable clubs such as Fulham, Manchester United—where he secured five major trophies including two Premier League titles—and Roma, where he lifted the Uefa Conference League trophy under Jose Mourinho in 2022. Additionally, Smalling has earned 31 caps for the England national team.