Benfica continue to revamp their squad announcing three more signings in the new Jorge Jesus era, as the club looks to field a powerhouse in the Portuguese league and give their European opponents something to think about when facing them.
Benfica announced the signings today of central defender Jan Vertonghen, winger Cebolinha and striker Luca Waldschmidt.
The 33 year old veteran Vertonghen has signed a three year deal with Benfica and comes on a free transfer after parting ways with Tottenham at seasons end. Vertonghen was rated in the top ten best central defenders in the game just last season by many of Europe's top publications and his veteran presence alongside Ruben Dias will be fun to watch. He will earn €1.5M per season with a an additional €400K per season in bonuses if certain accomplishments are met.
Benfica continue to look at moves to strengthen their squad for next season and have made a bold approach to free agent central defender Jan Vertonghen. The 33 year old Belgian International spent the last eight seasons as a member of English side Tottenham, appearing in 315 games for the Spurs across all competitions while also being capped by Belgium on 118 occasions. Benfica are confident that they will sign the veteran defender with new manager Jorge Jesus pushing for a more competitive club in Portugal and Europe.
Vertonghen has not been a member of a club that has won a team trophy since he was with Ajax back in 2012 and is said to like what Benfica have presented him in terms of the deal which is said to be for three seasons and the chance to play Champions League football. Benfica are also currently negotiating with striker Edinson Cavani and landing both players would be a major coop for the Lisbon side who have already landed right back Gabriel, keeper Helton Leite and are set to announce the arrival of winger Cebolinha.
Benfica reps Rui Costa and Tiago Pinto are in Germany hoping to close a deal for 24 year old Freiburg striker Luca Waldschmidt. Benfica have been in talks for the left footed striker since the winter transfer window and with newly appointed manager Jorge Jesus giving the management side the green light in acquiring the youngster, the club hopes to have this deal sealed by the end of the current week. According to German daily Bild, Freiburg are said to want €12M to depart with the services of Waldschmidt who appeared in 24 games across all competitions for the German side this past season and scored seven goals while setting up three others. Benfica have also been linked heavily to Freiburg defender Robin Koch over the past few months but with Jesus' recent comments about wanting to add a more veteran presence to the back four, the trip to Freiburg will be for only one.
