Tottenham Hotspur were among the clubs in attendance for FC Porto’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, and the visit comes at a time when Spurs are already thinking about reshaping parts of their squad.
Whether they stay up or drop down, changes are expected in North London. That makes fixtures like this useful checkpoints, especially when facing a side like Porto, who combined experience and emerging talent in a strong first-leg performance.
Portuguese reports from O Jogo and A Bola confirm Tottenham had scouts at the Estádio do Dragão, alongside several other European sides. From a Spurs perspective, the focus is likely to have gone beyond one single profile.
Gomes a wide option for Tottenham to consider
William Gomes was one of the clearest attacking threats on the pitch. The 20-year-old winger scored Porto’s goal and consistently caused problems with his movement and direct approach.
He ended the match with three shots, two successful dribbles and six duels won. His current form also stands out, with four goals in his last five games and 13 for the season overall.
For Tottenham, that type of output from a wide player will be relevant. Squad depth in attacking areas has been an ongoing discussion, and Gomes offers both immediacy and long-term potential.
Experience and physicality also on display
Alongside the younger talent, Porto’s more experienced players also made an impression.
Seko Fofana was key in transition phases, using his power and ability to carry the ball forward. He covered ground effectively and contributed defensively with interceptions and recoveries, showing the kind of all-action profile that can translate well to the Premier League.
Zaidu Sanusi, meanwhile, provided energy down the left flank. The 28-year-old full-back handled pressure well and repeatedly drove forward, helping Porto turn defence into attack. Leeds United already have eyes on him.
Both players are older than typical Tottenham signings in recent years. However, if the club are looking to balance youth with ready-made options, they represent different types of solutions.
Veiga impresses – but Spurs have already invested
Gabri Veiga was one of the standout performers overall. The 23-year-old dictated Porto’s attacking rhythm, assisted the opening goal and completed 26 of his 29 passes.
He showed composure in tight spaces and created two strong chances. On another day, his influence might have led to a more comfortable Porto win.
That said, Tottenham have recently committed significant funds to Xavi Simons, who operates in a similar role. While Veiga’s performance would not have gone unnoticed, the positional overlap makes a move less obvious at this stage.
Other notes from the match
Young striker Deniz Gül added energy off the bench and offered a more physical option up front. Winger Pepê also made an impact after coming on, helping Porto sustain attacking pressure late in the game. Both could be good options for Premier League rotation.
Victor Froholdt also made an appearance, coming on for Gabri Veiga in the second half and playing around 30 minutes. The midfielder did not make a major impact, keeping a relatively low profile as the game became more stretched. However, that should not distract from his wider reputation.
Froholdt is considered one of the most in-demand players in Porto’s squad and has already been monitored by Spurs in the past, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his presence in this particular scouting mission.
As for the Nottingham Forest side, Stefan Ortega stood out with several important saves, ensuring the English side remained level despite Porto’s dominance.
In short, Tottenham saw a mix of profiles that could fit different needs depending on how their summer unfolds.
William Gomes offers pace and output from wide areas, while Fofana and Sanusi bring experience and physicality. Gabri Veiga impressed, even if his role overlaps with recent investment.
For a club preparing for potential change, that variety of options is exactly what these trips are designed to assess.