And they usually end up being sold for huge fees to cash-rich European heavyweights.
Indeed, had Porto decided to cling on to most of their players, they could have fielded an incredible XI as they chase a goal against Inter this evening…
GK: JOSE SA — £2m
Left Porto for Olympiacos in 2018 and is now starring for Wolves in the Premier League.
RB: DANILO — £27m
Joined Real Madrid in 2015 before moving to Man City in 2017; now plays for Juventus after 2019 switch.
CB: EDER MILITAO — £44m
Been at Real since 2019 winning two titles and a Champions League in that time.
Swapped Porto for Arsenal last summer but is still waiting to deliver best performances after suffering injuries.
AM: JAMES RODRIGUEZ — £40m
Joined Monaco in 2013 before becoming a superstar at Real Madrid; also played for Bayern Munich, Everton and Al-Rayyan before signing for Olympiacos last year.
LW: LUIS DIAZ — £50m
Snapped up by Liverpool in January 2022 and became instant smash hit before having current term derailed by injury.
ST: HULK — £53m
Made surprise move to Russian side Zenit in 2012/13 season despite being rated as one of world football’s top talents; spent several years in China with Shanghai SIPG and is now in Brazil with Atletico Mineiro.