Jorge Jesus return to Benfica could see trio of Flamengo players follow

According to reports from TVI24, a move back to Benfica by Jorge Jesus could see a trio of current Flamengo players follow the former manager back to Portugal. Jesus remains Luis Filipe Vieira's first choice to manage the club next season with the Benfica President ready to spend on reinforcements to improve the club not only at home but on an international level as he looks to appease Jesus to make the move. TVI24 reports that central defender Leo Pereira, midfielder Gerson and winger Bruno Henrique are the three Flamengo players that would follow Jesus to Portugal if he elects to return back to Benfica.



The 29 year old Henrique had his best pro season under Jesus last year scoring 21 league goals, finishing runner up to teammate Gabigol in the golden boot race, he was named both the Brazilian League player of the year and Copa Libertadores most valuable player in 2019. While the 23 year old Gerson would be the most expensive to acquire of the three he was a fixture in the middle of the field during Flamengo's championship runs and would slot nicely along side Julian Weigl in the middle of the field. The 24 year old Leo Pereira was recently acquired by Flamengo from Paranaense in January and would be making his first trip across the Atlantic to Europe, the though is that he would be the man to replace Ruben Dias at the club who is slated to depart during the summer transfer window.

The acquisition of all three players by Benfica from Flamengo would cost the club in excess of €40M and would kick off the clubs campaign at strengthening the roster for a Jesus return which still has a long way from being sorted out with the Portuguese manager interested in earning more then the €4M per season that is said to have been the initial offer by the club. Luis Filipe Vieira though is confident that he will be able to bring Jesus back to the club, as he looks to regain what looks like a lost league title and make more of an impact in UEFA in the upcoming season.