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Coventry City have been handed another boost in their pursuit of Porto’s Francisco Moura, with the left-back now believed to have asked to leave the Portuguese club. The 26-year-old has been linked with Coventry during the summer and could leave Porto before the window closes. Olympiacos are also chasing him. As a result, Frank Lampard’s side faces competition for his signature. Sunday’s edition of Correio da Manhã now brings a good update on Moura’s position. The newspaper believes he is the player Francesco Farioli referred to on Saturday when revealing one member of his squad had personally approached him about leaving Porto. Farioli reveals exit request Speaking ahead of Porto’s first league game of the season, Francesco Farioli was asked about the uncertainty created by the final weeks of the transfer window. The Italian explained that the market remains a “big puzzle”, with arrivals potentially depending on departures. | Portugal Liga 2025/26 | | | | | |---|---|---|---|---| | Appearances | 21 | | | | | Started | 16 | | | | | Minutes per game | 63 | | | | | Total minutes played | 1331 | | | | | Goals | 2 | | | | | Assists | 2 | | | | He believes “90%, maybe 95%” of his squad would love to stay at Porto. However, some players could look elsewhere for more experience or playing time. Farioli then revealed that one player had taken matters further and spoken directly to him. “I’ll be very honest: I’ve only had one player come and speak to me about the opportunity to leave and another who I know would like to leave,” he said. The manager didn’t name either player, but Correio da Manhã says Moura is believed to be the one who approached him directly about his future. Coventry have another reason to watch closely That would be an important development for Coventry City. Previous reports had already suggested Porto could allow Francisco Moura to leave this summer. The club have been looking for another left-back. Meanwhile, Zaidu Sanusi finished last season ahead of Moura in Farioli’s plans. Now there appears to be movement from the player’s side as well. Farioli made clear there is no problem between himself and the player who asked to leave. He also promised opportunities to those who remain at the club. “I know the market can be a distraction. It’s normal for some players to think about different destinations or to better understand their role here at Porto, but everyone has the assurance that whoever stays will get their opportunities in all competitions,” he said. “Everyone is aligned, even the one who asked me to leave, and that lets me sleep peacefully.” Coventry still have competition to deal with, particularly from Olympiacos. Yet if Correio da Manhã is correct about Moura being the player who approached Farioli, his desire for a move could make the coming weeks particularly interesting for Lampard’s side.