Benfica look to replace departing Grimaldo

Long time Benfica left back Alex Grimaldo has announced that he will be joining German side Bayer Leverkusen at the conclusion of the season on a free transfer after spending the past seven and a half seasons with the Lisbon side. Grimaldo will be joining a German club that is currently managed by fellow Spaniard Xabi Alonso.

The Spanish defender has been an integral part of the team for the past few years and his departure will leave a big void in the squad but Benfica are said to already have Grimaldo's replacement lined up in AZ Alkmaar left back Milos Kerkez. The rumours out of Portugal are that Kerkez wants to join Benfica and the two clubs are planning a sit down to discuss terms.

The 19 year old Hungarian international joined Alkmaar in the winter of 2022 from Milan's U19 squad and it is said the Dutch club is seeking €10M-€15M to allow Kerkez to join Benfica in the summer.