Benfica finally land Santos defender

Benfica have finally landed sought after Santos defender Lucas Verissimo after months of the central defender being linked with a move to the club. The agreement for the 25 year is said to be for €6.5M to be paid in three installments with the first part of the payment taking place upon the players departure to Portugal. The agreement will also keep Verissimo at Santos until the end of the Copa Libertadores 2020 tournament with the finals set to take place on January 30, Santos are currently in the semi-finals.

Verissimo has been with Santos' main squad since the 2016 season and has appeared in 130 games for the club across all competitions over that time, scoring three goals. Santos President Andreas Rueda signed the transfer documentation earlier today and the club now awaits for Benfica President Luis Filipe Vieira's signature to make the transfer between the two clubs firm. With the arrival of Verissimo, Jorge Jesus may look to go with a system that plays three center backs pushing his wing backs more forward in what would be a 3-5-2 formation.