Victor Froholdt sends Newcastle reminder during latest Porto scouting trip

Newcastle United have continued monitoring the Portuguese market, with club scouts present as Porto defeated Benfica 3-1 at the Estádio do Dragão on Sunday.

According to A Bola, Newcastle representatives attended the derby and had the opportunity to watch several players previously linked with moves to St James’ Park.

Victor Froholdt, William Gomes and Samu Aghehowa were among the familiar Porto names, while Benfica also featured players Newcastle have considered in previous transfer windows.

Froholdt produced perhaps the most interesting performance from Newcastle’s perspective.

The 20-year-old returned following a concussion and delivered an influential midfield display, combining defensive intensity with repeated forward runs.

Newcastle previously considered Froholdt their preferred option to replace Bruno Guimaraes and held negotiations over a potential transfer, although an agreement was never reached.

His development at Porto therefore remains particularly relevant if Newcastle continue monitoring midfield options.

William Gomes was another familiar player. Newcastle previously considered the Brazilian when searching for a potential Anthony Gordon replacement, although his decision-making against Benfica was less impressive.

Samu Aghehowa also made his long-awaited comeback after almost eight months out with a serious ACL injury. The striker, previously repeatedly linked with Newcastle, was introduced during the closing stages.

There were also familiar targets representing Benfica.

Tomás Araújo performed well despite Benfica playing much of the contest with ten men following Clément Lenglet’s first-half dismissal, while João Palhinha battled effectively in midfield.

Both have previously attracted Newcastle interest.

The scouting trip is particularly notable given Newcastle's recent recruitment from Portugal. Lukáš Horníček arrived from Braga, while Amar Dedić was signed from Benfica, with both making encouraging starts in England.

There is currently no indication that Newcastle’s presence at Porto-Benfica will result in an immediate move for any player.

However, several previous targets appearing in the same match gave the club an ideal opportunity to reassess their progress. Froholdt, in particular, appears to have provided Newcastle with a strong reminder of why they pursued him previously.

Newcastle’s continued presence in Portugal will be worth monitoring as the January transfer window approaches, particularly given their previous interest in several Porto players.

There is no confirmation of a renewed move for Froholdt, but another strong performance in front of Newcastle scouts ensures the midfielder remains an obvious player to watch.