Nottingham Forest have added Benfica duo to their squad, making them their third and fourth signings of the summer season. Nottingham have acquired midfielder Alfa Semedo on a season long loan and left back Yuri Ribeiro who has signed with the club on a permanent basis. The terms of both players deals have yet to be disclosed by either club at this time. Semedo appeared in 19 games across all competitions with Benfica and scored the winning goal in a Champions League group game for the club. Ribeiro appeared in 7 games across all competitions for Benfica but did not appear in a league game, although he was featured twice in the Europa League.
Benfica continue their search for attacking depth and have turned their attention to Tigres striker Enner Valencia. The 29 year old Ecuadorian striker is said to be valued at €8M and spent four seasons in England between 2014 - 2017 representing West Ham and Everton. Bruno Lage knows Valencia well from his time spent in England and wants to bolster the clubs attacking options behind recent acquistion Raul de Tomas and last seasons leading goal scorer Haris Seforovic. The obstacle that could prevent Benfica from completing the move is Valencia's annual salary which is currently €2.5M annually. Benfica would need to convince Valencia to lower his salary if he were to make a move to the Portuguese club.
Benfica have loaned midfielder Krovinovic to English second division club West Brom Albion for the season. The loan deal does not include a buy out clause at the end of the loan so Krovinovic could return back to Lisbon at loans end unless a buyer comes along for his services. Krovinovic feel out of the clubs plans at Benfica once new manager Bruno Lage enter the fold. Krovinovic joined Benfica in the summer of 2017 from Rio Ave for €3.5M and the midfielders form once inserted into the clubs lineup provided a spark to the team but a horrific injury to his ligament had Krovinovic on the sidelines for an extended period of time and he was never again able to find regular duty with the club. Krovinovic leaves Benfica having appeared in 28 games in all competitions and scoring just once.
