Porto lands Laurent Depoitre from Gent

FC Porto has unveiled striker Laurent Depoitre as a new signing from KAA Gent, with the 27-year-old set to ply his trade away from his homeland of Belgium for the first time.

(Courtesy: @FCPorto)

The strong and powerful frontman has been reportedly sighted by Tottenham Hotspur in the past, but instead pens a four-year contract with the Dragoes. No cost is currently disclosed for the sale, although he has a €40-million minimum fee release clause written into the deal.

Depoitre, whose style bears similarities to compatriot Christian Benteke, worked his way up free-scoring through the lower echelons of Belgian football before garnering attention through his exploits in East Flanders. Last season he scored 12 goals for Gent during the regular season.

At Porto it's hoped Depoitre's aerial presence and physicality would work effectively in tandem with the similarly imposing Vincent Aboubakar, while young Mexican Jesus Corona wreaks havoc down the channels.

Porto kicks off its Primeira Liga season on Friday with a trip to Rio Ave.