Best Premier League Transfers from Portugal: Will Gyokeres Join the List?

Viktor Gyokeres has finalised his transfer from Sporting Lisbon to Arsenal, although sceptics have already begun to question whether his prolific scoring form in Portugal can be replicated in the Premier League.

The Swedish forward has netted an impressive 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting over the last two seasons. He now faces the challenge of propelling Arsenal towards Premier League glory. With no prior experience in any of Europe’s top five leagues, doubts remain in some quarters over his potential impact.

Nevertheless, history provides ample evidence of successful transitions from the Portuguese leagues to the English top flight. Let’s revisit some of the finest examples of Premier League players who arrived from Portuguese football and thrived.

Cristiano Ronaldo – Sporting to Manchester United (2003)

Arguably the most iconic import from the Primeira Liga, Cristiano Ronaldo caught Sir Alex Ferguson’s attention during a pre-season friendly against Manchester United, prompting the manager to swiftly secure the teenager’s signature in 2003.

Over the course of six seasons at Old Trafford, Ronaldo transformed from a raw and flashy winger into one of the world’s elite footballers. He helped United claim three consecutive Premier League titles between 2007 and 2009, with the 2007/08 campaign also culminating in Champions League triumph.

That particular season saw Ronaldo score 42 goals in all competitions, earning him the Ballon d’Or – only the second player from the Premier League to do so at the time. He left for Real Madrid in 2009 in a then-world record £80 million transfer, having scored 118 goals across 292 matches for the Red Devils.

Ricardo Carvalho – FC Porto to Chelsea (2004)

When José Mourinho arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2004 following a stunning Champions League win with Porto, he was quick to reunite with trusted centre-back Ricardo Carvalho.

The Portuguese defender formed a dominant central defensive pairing alongside John Terry, which proved instrumental in Chelsea’s back-to-back league title wins. Their defensive record during the 2004/05 title-winning campaign was particularly remarkable, conceding just 15 goals all season.

Carvalho spent six seasons with the Blues, collecting eight major honours, including three Premier League championships.

Nemanja Matic – Benfica to Chelsea (2014)

Initially part of the deal that saw David Luiz move to Stamford Bridge, Nemanja Matic was sold to Benfica, only to return to Chelsea in January 2014. His development in Portugal was evident, and his impact on his return to England was immediate.

Matic played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s 2014/15 title-winning campaign and was named in the PFA Team of the Year. He later added another league medal in 2016/17 under Antonio Conte, forming a dominant midfield duo with N’Golo Kanté.

Ederson – Benfica to Manchester City (2017)

Manchester City splashed out £35 million to bring Ederson from Benfica in 2017, making him the second most expensive goalkeeper in football history at the time. Pep Guardiola sought a shot-stopper who could distribute comfortably under pressure—Ederson offered far more than that.

The Brazilian has since revolutionised the role of a modern goalkeeper, combining calmness in possession with an extraordinary range of passing. His sweeping and pinpoint long balls have become a signature feature of City’s play.

A vital figure in City’s most decorated era, Ederson has amassed 18 trophies with the club, including six Premier League titles and one Champions League.

Bruno Fernandes – Sporting to Manchester United (2020)

Bruno Fernandes made an immediate impression after joining Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020. At a time when the Red Devils were struggling, he provided a crucial lift and helped the team secure Champions League qualification.

Since then, Fernandes has remained a consistent performer even during turbulent periods for the club. During a particularly challenging 2023/24 season, he created more chances (91) and completed more line-breaking passes (89) than any other player in the Premier League.

With 98 goals in 280 appearances for United, Fernandes has been named the club’s Player of the Year four times – a joint record.

Ruben Dias – Benfica to Manchester City (2020)

Seeking a replacement for Vincent Kompany, Manchester City signed Ruben Dias from Benfica in 2020. The Portuguese international immediately bolstered City’s defence, contributing significantly as they reclaimed the Premier League title in his debut season.

Dias earned the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award for his outstanding performances and has since added three more league titles and a Champions League winners’ medal to his résumé.

Luis Díaz – FC Porto to Liverpool (2022)

Although January signings often come with risks, Luis Díaz’s arrival at Liverpool in the 2022 winter window proved to be an inspired piece of business.

The Colombian winger hit the ground running, helping Liverpool to FA Cup and League Cup success within his first six months at Anfield. His energetic and skilful displays added a new dimension to the Reds’ attack.

In the 2024/25 season, Díaz played a key role in Liverpool’s Premier League title win, scoring 13 goals in the league campaign alone.

João Palhinha – Sporting to Fulham (2022)

João Palhinha made an instant impact at Craven Cottage after his £20 million move from Sporting Lisbon to Fulham in 2022. The commanding midfielder quickly became known for his ball-winning prowess and physical presence.

Palhinha topped the Premier League charts for tackles won in both of his seasons with the Cottagers, cementing his status as one of the league’s most effective defensive midfielders.

Fulham’s investment was richly rewarded when he joined Bayern Munich in 2024, with the club receiving a substantial profit that more than doubled their original outlay.

Considerações finais

While some scepticism surrounds Viktor Gyokeres’ ability to translate his prolific form in Portugal to the Premier League, history shows that players arriving from the Primeira Liga can become transformative signings. From Cristiano Ronaldo to Bruno Fernandes, and from Ederson to Díaz, the Portuguese leagues have long been a fertile ground for Premier League recruitment.

Arsenal fans will hope Gyokeres can be the next in a long line of success stories.