FC Porto tried to divert the Moroccan full-back El Karouani from Benfica during the transfer window. The Porto club expressed interest in the player who already had a deal agreed with the Eagles.
Villas-Boas and Farioli, members of FC Porto's sporting department, reportedly sent messages directly to the player's agent to try to convince El Karouani to head to the Dragão instead of reinforcing Benfica.
Despite the pressure exerted by the Porto club, the defender kept his word to the red-and-whites and completed the transfer to the Lisbon club, fulfilling the commitment previously made to the red-and-white board.
