Ipswich and Brentford scouting trips suggest growing interest in Porto talent

Ipswich Town and Brentford appear to be increasing their scouting activity in Portugal after representatives from both Premier League clubs were spotted watching Porto for the second time this month.

Scouts from both sides attended Porto’s 3-1 victory over Benfica at the Estádio do Dragão on Sunday, having also been present for the recent meeting with Manchester City.

There is no confirmation regarding specific transfer targets, but consecutive visits suggest both clubs are taking a sustained look at players in the Portuguese market.

Several Porto players produced notable performances against Benfica.

Victor Froholdt was among the standouts. The 20-year-old midfielder returned following a concussion and marked his comeback with a goal while providing significant energy in midfield.

His growing reputation and reported attention from bigger European clubs could make any potential deal difficult for Ipswich or Brentford.

Gabri Veiga could represent a more attainable option. Still only 24, the former Celta Vigo midfielder opened the scoring after an excellent Pepê pass and repeatedly found space between Benfica’s lines.

Pepê and Pablo Rosario, both 29, also impressed. They would offer less potential resale value than Porto's younger players but considerably more experience and immediate first-team quality.

André Silva contributed two assists, while previous scouting trips had also highlighted players including Jakub Kiwior, Martim Fernandes, Borja Sainz and Francisco Moura.

Porto were not the only side offering potential scouting opportunities.

Benfica goalkeeper Samuel Soares made several strong saves despite conceding three goals. The 24-year-old has established himself as the club's first-choice goalkeeper and could therefore have attracted attention.

Gianluca Prestianni was another standout. The 20-year-old Argentine caused problems from the left and produced an impressive individual move before assisting Alexander Bah.

There remains no evidence identifying exactly who Ipswich or Brentford were monitoring.

However, their repeated presence at Porto matches makes the situation worth following. Whether they are tracking one particular player or building broader reports ahead of future transfer windows, both Premier League clubs appear to be paying close attention to developments at the Dragão.

Further Ipswich or Brentford scouting visits to Portugal would strengthen the indication that both clubs are conducting sustained recruitment work in the country.

The January window will provide the next opportunity for that scouting to develop into concrete transfer activity, although there is currently no evidence that either club has opened negotiations for any of the players watched.