Jakub Kiwior’s decision to leave Arsenal for FC Porto has been endorsed by his former manager, Pavol Staňo, who insists the move is exactly what the Poland international needs.
The 24-year-old sealed a Deadline Day loan with obligation to buy, ending his battle for minutes under Mikel Arteta. Used as both a left-back and a centre-back, Kiwior never secured a consistent role at the Emirates, and Porto moved quickly to offer him regular first-team football.
Staňo, who promoted Kiwior to MSK Žilina’s first team back in 2020, told O Jogo that the defender’s mindset and adaptability make him an ideal fit for Porto’s system and culture.
Staňo on Kiwior’s Move
“His main goal is to play more, to be more present on the pitch. FC Porto seems like the right choice for Kiwior. It will be a safe transition for someone who never needs to adapt or recover. His mental strength is always there.” — Pavol Staňo, via O Jogo
The Slovakian coach added that Porto will get a natural leader, recalling how Kiwior stood out for his work ethic and maturity in one of Europe’s youngest squads.
Kiwior’s Arsenal Struggles
Signed from Spezia in January 2023, Kiwior made sporadic appearances but never displaced Gabriel or William Saliba. Arteta often used him at left-back, a role that showcased his versatility but limited his development as a specialist centre-back.
Last season, he started fewer than 15 matches across all competitions, leaving him eager for a move where he could become a defensive mainstay.
Kiwior’s Career Snapshot
| Club | Years | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| MSK Žilina | 2019–2021 | — |
| Spezia | 2021–2023 | — |
| Arsenal | 2023–2025 | — |
| FC Porto (loan) | 2025– | — |
source: transfermarkt – 6 September 2025
Kiwior also has 20+ caps for Poland, often trusted in central defence, underlining his pedigree despite limited club minutes at Arsenal.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William:
This is a smart move for all parties. Arsenal could not guarantee Kiwior the minutes he needs to develop, and Porto get a Champions League-ready defender entering his peak years.
Kiwior’s ball progression, tactical awareness, and ability to cover at left-back make him an asset. For Arsenal, it frees up squad space and wages while protecting value with a potential permanent sale.
Key Insights
- Kiwior left Arsenal for FC Porto on loan with obligation to buy.
- Former coach Staňo says it is the “right choice” for his career.
- Struggled for minutes at Arsenal, often played out of position.
- Porto gain a versatile defender — CB or LB.
- Arsenal protect value after investing in him from Spezia.
What’s Next
Kiwior is expected to go straight into Porto’s starting XI after the international break. His immediate challenge will be adapting to Sérgio Conceição’s aggressive defensive style, but Staňo is confident he has the mentality to thrive.
For Arsenal, the loss is softened by strong depth at centre-back. Gabriel remains first choice, while new signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié provide reliable cover during William Saliba’s three-to-four-week absence. Arteta still has options to rotate without rushing back his defensive leader.
Did Arsenal give up on Kiwior too soon — or was Porto the perfect next step?
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