Diogo Jota was reportedly in discussions with Porto regarding a potential return prior to the tragic car accident that claimed the Liverpool star's life.
The Portuguese forward, who would have turned 29 today, was travelling with his brother Andre Silva in Zamora, Spain, when he lost control of his Lamborghini, resulting in a fatal crash.
The incident sent shockwaves throughout the football community and occurred just 11 days after Jota tied the knot with long-term partner Rute Cardoso. During his tenure at Anfield, Jota netted 65 goals in 182 appearances, contributing to Liverpool's victories in the FA Cup, League Cup and Premier League.
Despite being a key player for the team, he was offered a chance to return to Portugal. Ex-Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas, currently serving as the president of Porto, disclosed that there were plans for Jota to make a comeback to his original club before his untimely demise.
At the funeral of the two young men, Villas-Boas revealed: "Unfortunately, we were working with agent Jorge Mendes on Diogo Jota's return to FC Porto, and it won't be possible.
"It would be from 2026-27, and we had discussed the possibility. I made a point of conveying that message to Diogo, through Jorge Mendes, at his wedding, and it was a dream for all the Porto fans that it would happen."
FC Porto President Andre Villas-Boas
Andre Villas-Boas arriving at Diogo Jota and Andre Silva's funeral (Image: Photo by FILIPE AMORIM/AFP via Getty Images)
Paying his respects, he said: "Diogo has a history in the senior ranks, and Andre has many years from the children's ranks to the under-19s. They were much loved. We've come to pay our respects to the family. Diogo, especially as the greatest public figure, was a silent hero. We all appreciated him for everything he stood for, not only on the pitch but also off it."
He went on to say: "He was a partner of FC Porto with its Esports team. Someone who will be remembered fondly, just like his brother. Diogo wasn't a member [of the club], but he became one today. I hope that all FC Porto members understand this move.
"In Andre Silva's case, we symbolically recovered his membership fees and gave them to his family. We intended to leave the two membership cards here. I did it as chairman of the board.
"Condolences to everyone, to the team-mates from Liverpool, Wolverhampton, Gondomar and P. Ferrreira. And Penafiel, who also lost a great mate. It's tragic and deserves a moment of reflection."