Benfica’s Most Wanted Men

By Dominic Vieira, writing from Portugal

The 2009/10 Liga Sagres has finished and Europe’s top clubs have started intensifying their interest and pursuit for Benfica’s star players. The league champions have been subject to many high offers from England, Italy and the neighbouring Spain. With the World Cup days away from kicking off, the chasing teams will have another opportunity to watch some of Benfica’s most talented and complete players perform on the greatest stage.

Each year the Liga Sagres’ most established players depart to a bigger and more competitive championship. Also, their salary increases by a substantial amount, which is an influential factor in their decision to move. This year Benfica have had several players tracked on club radars, but they won’t be leaving cheaply as they are protected by their high release fee clauses. Furthermore, the ruthless club president Luís Filipe Vieira (not related to me) is a tough man to negotiate with.

Here is an insight to Benfica’s most wanted players:

Àngel Di María, 22 years old, 40 Million Euro release fee clause

Benfica’s highly talented left winger has enjoyed a truly magnificent season. His third season at the club has been his most prolific and his consistent top class displays has caught attention from all over Europe. Man City, Man United, Chelsea, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid are closely and aggressively battling out for his signature. His brilliant form has earned him a starting place in Argentina’s XI at the World Cup which has been confirmed by Maradona. He will be one to watch in South Africa.

Despite all the interest from across Europe, Dí Maria is most likely going to move to Spain after the World Cup, joining either Barcelona or Real Madrid. The Spanish culture, lifestyle, football and language are key elements which will ease his transfer and ensure there won’t be problems for him to adapt. It is not expected that Angelito will be wearing the red Benfica shirt next September, as it will be complicated and hard to hold onto a player of his stature. A move to Real is continuously more imminent each day. At the age of 22, Dí Maria is rapidly becoming a top class left winger and clubs are prepared to pay the asking price.

Óscar Cardozo, 26 years old, 60M€ release fee clause

Cardozo is a goal machine, in 3 seasons he has played 82 league matches and scored 56 times. This season he won the Portuguese top scorer award for his 26 goals. Manchester City appear to be leading the race, and if the right offer comes in, which could possibly be below his elevated clause, Cardozo could leave.

Cardozo is one of the key figures in the Paraguayn team at the World Cup and his goals, strength and power will grab the attention of more clubs. Nonetheless, it won’t be a surprise to see Cardozo wearing his number 7 shirt for Benfica and continue scoring goals. But how long can Benfica hold onto him?

David Luiz, 22 years old, 50M€ release fee clause

The Brazilian centre back, which played 49 games this season, has been a solid rock. He’s established himself as a leader on and off the field. David Luiz is transforming into one of the greatest defenders of his generation. He’s a complete defender in all aspects: strength, height, speed, technique and personality. Furthermore, his ability to control the ball with both feet and carry it up the field to start the attacking plays has been successful this season.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid have expressed interest in him but it is likely he will stay for the 2010/11 and he is an irreplaceable figure in the team. After winning the league he told the media that he is staying which has reassured the fans who love him. He will probably remain for another season before making a multi million transfer abroad, but before that he wants to start playing for the Brazilian national side were he deserves to be

Other Stars

Other Benfica names which have been linked with moves to clubs are Fábio Coentrão (30M€ release fee clause), Ramires (30M€), Javí Garcia (30M€) and Saviola (30M€). These 4 players are all pioneers in the team and the manager Jorge Jesus will make sure that he hangs onto them as he plans to lead Benfica back to European greatness. With the exception of Javier Saviola; the three players are young, continuously improving and developing into quality players. Hopefully their high release fee clauses will scare away interest from European giants. Football fans will be able to watch Fábio Coentrão and Ramires in action at the World Cup.

If Benfica are going to sell quality, then they must reinforce themselves with quality. The expected departure of Di María has already been covered with the signing of Nicolás Gaitán from Boca Juniors for 8.4 million euros. However, the Argentine is not a natural left winger and the club are seriously looking into buying their former captain Simão Sabrosa from Atlético Madrid.

Benfica have also signed young Argentinian striker Franco Jara from Arsenal de Sarandí for 5.5 million euros and talented centre back Fábio Faria from Rio Ave for 2 million.

Benfica are building a strong team for the future which aim to continue winning in Portugal and competitng for Europe’s most wanted trophy. In order to have a powerful team at their disposal they must hold onto their star players and reinforce their weaker sectors. After their hard work and success from last season, Benfica are progressing in the right direction. They have the potential to revive their European success they enjoyed in the 60’s.