Jakub Kiwior joins Porto from Arsenal in permanent transfer

Porto have confirmed the signing of defender Jakub Kiwior from Arsenal on a permanent basis.

The Poland international signed for the Portuguese club shortly before September’s transfer deadline. The deal, which was structured in the same fashion as Arsenal’s move for Piero Hincapie, was an initial season-long loan with both clubs holding the option to convert it to a permanent transfer. Kiwior’s departure was only sanctioned after the deal for Hincapie was agreed.

Porto announced that have now exercised their option and the deal is worth €17million (£14.7m; $19.9m) plus up to €5m in add-ons. Arsenal will also earn €2m in any future potential sale. Kiwior’s contract runs until 2030 and contains a €70m release clause.

Kiwior has made 38 appearances in all competitions this season, primarily starting at centre-back but also featuring at left-back as Porto won the Portuguese league title for the 31st time in the club’s history.

After coming through the youth system of Belgian club Anderlecht, Kiwior moved to Slovak club Zeleziarne Podbrezova, making his senior debut in 2018. He had stints with MSK Zilina and Italian club Spezia before joining Arsenal in 2023.

He played 68 games in total for Arsenal, scoring three goals and providing five assists. After Gabriel sustained a hamstring injury that required surgery in April last year, Kiwior became a regular starter to close the season as Arsenal finished second and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.