The famous Polish international has been transferred to a giant. Fans are blaming him.
There's no doubt that this player is one of the most experienced players in the Polish national team in recent years. Jan Bednarek has already competed in two World Cups (2018 and 2022) and a doubleheader of European Championship events (2020 and 2024), among others.
Jan Bednarek joins FC Porto. A transfer hit featuring the Polish international.The defender, who started conquering international clubs from Lech Poznań in 2017, still has a relatively secure place in the national team's starting lineup. In the recent 1-2 draw against Finland, Bednarek even captained the team in the absence of both Robert Lewandowski (temporarily parting ways with the national team) and Piotr Zieliński (injury sidelined).
The defender, however, is the subject of almost constant criticism from a significant portion of fans. Bednarek is often at the center of the action in front of goal due to his role on the pitch. He has often been blamed for Poland's conceded goals.
Paradoxically, however, Bednarek has become a solid name in the British Isles since 2017. The Pole played for Southampton from 2017-2025, with a brief loan spell at Aston Villa. Interestingly, the Pole was relegated from the English top flight twice with the Saints. He also achieved promotion, although last season (2024/25) saw Southampton suffer its second relegation from the Premier League.
As it turned out, Bednarek won't have to fight again for promotion to England's elite. The Pole was acquired by the renowned FC Porto. The international was to be purchased for €7.5 million and signed a contract until the end of the 2028/29 season. Porto finished third in the league last season. The Portuguese club will therefore play in the UEFA Europa League, having secured a spot in the group stage.
FC Porto has won the Portuguese league title 33 times in its storied history, the last time coming in 2022. The club certainly has ambitions to return to the top, dethroning its two eternal rivals from Lisbon – Benfica and Sporting.
And Bednarek, who knows, may be entering a much more positive phase in his career. After recent seasons at Southampton, where he mainly fought for relegation, the Pole now finds himself directly in European competition. And what's more, joining a major brand recognized worldwide.
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