Stephen Eustáquio is set to leave FC Porto and is expected to continue his career in Major League Soccer. While Toronto FC explored a potential move, Los Angeles FC has emerged as the preferred destination for the player and his representatives, largely due to the club’s competitive sporting project and its track record of contending for titles in the United States.
The Canadian international did not travel with Porto for the team’s training camp ahead of Monday’s league match against Casa Pia, further fueling speculation over an imminent departure. The 29-year-old midfielder is expected to join LAFC on loan, with a purchase option set at approximately €7 million. His salary would be fully covered by the MLS club.
Toronto FC’s interest was genuine and considered, but sources indicate LAFC’s recent success, organizational stability, and immediate title aspirations weighed heavily in the decision-making process. Moreover, the news of a Denis Bouanga transfer to Fluminense is gaining momentum, with the LA Club potentially seeking an immediate replacement for a marquee attacker who scored 20+ goals in 3 seasons with the club.
Eustáquio would leave FC Porto after four seasons in which he made 156 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists. During that span, he helped the club win the Primeira Liga once, three Portuguese Cups, one League Cup, and two Super Cups. He would come to the US to play under a Canadian with Portuguese roots, alongside teammates Jacob Shaffelburg and Mathieu Choiniere.
His final appearance for Porto came last week against Gil Vicente, when he played eight minutes off the bench. More notable was his pregame locker-room address, directed in part at young forward Samu, a moment that reportedly moved head coach Francesco Farioli and underscored Eustáquio’s leadership within the squad.
