14 March 2023 , 06:00
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FC Porto have it all to do on Tuesday night when they bid to overturn a 1-0 deficit in the second leg of their last-16 tie against Inter Milan in the Champions League.
Porto, who won the competition under Jose Mourinho back in 2004, have a richer history than most in Europe and will fancy their chances of penning another success story if they can negotiate a tricky tie against the Serie A outfit.
In recent years, the Portuguese giants have been blessed with some truly exceptional players. Unfortunately, the majority were quickly lured away to pastures new - but Porto have managed to rake in a healthy sum from their exploits in the transfer market.
Mirror Football takes a look at how Porto could have lined up for Tuesday night's crunch European clash had they not lost a host of top, top players...
Diogo Costa is still at Porto, but the talented goalkeeper is believed to have plenty of admirers across Europe after impressing for Sergio Conceicao's side - including Manchester United.
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United are expected to replace David de Gea in the summer and Porto could be at risk of losing Costa's services if the Red Devils do firm up their interest in the shot-stopper. For now, though, Costa will play a crucial role in what is left of Porto's season.
Ahead of him, Danilo was a favourite at Porto before he was sold to Real Madrid in a £27million deal in 2015. Los Blancos also raided Porto to bolster their defence again four years later - they swooped in to prise Eder Militao away from the Portuguese giants in a lucrative £43.5m deal.
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If Porto had retained their services, then they could have lined up alongside Zaidu Sanusi and Pepe, who are both still on the books. Pepe did, however, join Real Madrid for £30m back in 2007 before returning to his former club in 2019.
When it comes to midfielders, Porto have lost a wealth of talent. Ruben Neves has become a mainstay in the Premier League since joining Wolves but he came through the ranks at Porto. He cost the Midlands outfit just £16m back in 2017.
More recently, Fabio Vieira was prised away from Portugal by Arsenal, who shelled out £34m to bring the creative midfielder to the Emirates. Vitinha came close to following Vieira and Neves to England after he was linked to both Arsenal and Manchester United in the summer, but it was Paris Saint-Germain who acquired his services in a £35m deal.
Porto lost the services of Fabio Vieira to Arsenal in the summer (Getty Images)In attack, Luis Diaz would have played major role in Porto's European campaign had he not been snapped up Liverpool last January. The Colombian winger is already a huge favourite at Anfield following his £37.5m switch - although that figure could eventually exceed £50m if various add-ons are met.
Otavio, who could be the next Porto player in line for a big money move, would have formed a highly effective trifecta with Diaz and current No.9 Mehdi Taremi.
For now, Porto will be hoping Otavio and co can steer them through to another European quarter-final - but they know better than most that regardless of Tuesday night's result, the vultures are still likely to circle in the summer.
Dream Porto XI (4-3-3): Costa, Danilo, Militao, Pepe, Sanusi; Neves, Vitinha, Vieira; Diaz, Otavio, Taremi.
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