FC Porto signs 16-year-old Norwegian record-breaker Eirik Granaas on three-year deal
The Portuguese giants confirmed the arrival of the 16-year-old midfielder from Fredrikstad FK on a contract running until 2029, with the player initially joining the B team.
The signing and financial terms
FC Porto announced on Saturday the signing of Norwegian midfielder Eirik Granaas, 16, from Fredrikstad FK. The player signed a contract valid until June 2029, the maximum permitted by FIFA for a minor. The fixed transfer fee is 1.8 million euros for 100% of the economic rights, with an additional variable component of up to 1.5 million euros linked to sporting objectives achieved with the first team. Fredrikstad retains 15% of any future transfer profit, though Porto can buy back 5% for 600,000 euros. Intermediation costs account for 5.6% of the total transfer value.
Path to Porto
Granaas will initially represent FC Porto B, while staying in contact with the senior squad coached by Francesco Farioli. The club stated that the young international will be integrated gradually, with no immediate leap to the top division, unlike some previous Scandinavian signings. Porto sees him as one of the most promising talents in Norwegian football, continuing a recent focus on Nordic markets.
It's been a fantastic experience. I've already felt the affection and passion people have for the club in the city. I've been treated very well in these first moments and I'm looking forward to starting this chapter.
Record-breaking teenager
Born in Drammen, the same city as Martin Odegaard, Granaas broke Odegaard's record as the youngest player to debut in Norway's top flight, doing so at 15 years and 90 days on 22 June 2025 against Viking. He later became the youngest ever to appear in a UEFA club competition since 1971, playing against Midtjylland in a Europa League qualifier on 14 August 2025 at 15 years, 4 months and 21 days. This season he made eight appearances and scored one goal for Fredrikstad.
- Becomes youngest ever to debut in Norwegian top division (15 years, 90 days) for Fredrikstad vs Viking
- Youngest player in UEFA club competition since 1971, debuts for Fredrikstad vs Midtjylland in Europa League
- FC Porto announces signing of Granaas on a contract until 2029
The player's style and ambitions
Speaking to club media, Granaas described himself as a mature person who likes to play forward and create chances, while also contributing defensively. He said he wants to learn the local culture and do everything possible to help the team win. The midfielder, who will wear shirt number 70, is the son of former professional Lars Granaas and brother of Sondre Granaas, 19, and has been connected to football since birth.
I like to play forward, create opportunities, but also work defensively for the team. I feel I’m a mature person and I hope to show that. I’ll give my best to help the team win.
Porto's Nordic bet
President André Villas-Boas has overseen an increasing investment in Scandinavian talent, with Granaas viewed as a long-term project. His integration will be monitored by coach Farioli, who regularly follows B-team matches. Although no release clause was officially disclosed, one report mentioned a potential clause of 50 million euros as a safeguard. The club's strategy is to give the teenager time to adapt before a possible senior call-up.
