In the summer of 1987, José Carlos was loaned to Portimonense SC, being an undisputed starter during his tenure in Algarve and subsequently returning to Benfica. In the following four years he appeared in 135 competitive games and scored three goals, winning the 1991 national championship, another domestic cup and the 1989 edition of the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira. He also took part in the final of the 1989–90 European Cup, lost to A.C. Milan.