Benfica move pre-season training to England

Benfica have taken their pre-season camp to England as they get set to take on Southampton in a friendly on Wednesday, the club has taken 31 players to England with the club only set to return on Saturday. Angel Di Maria, Nico Otamendi and newly acquired right back David Jurasek joining the team later on in the trip with club President Rui Costa.

The 31 players in England are:

Keepers: Vlachodimos, Samuel Soares, Leo Kokubo, Andre Gomes and Marcel

Defenders: Alexander Bah, Luca Verissimo, Joao Victor, Mihailo Ristic, Tomas Araujo, Antonio Silva, Rafael Rodrigues, Morato

Midfielders: David Neres, Kokcu, Joao Mario, Paulo Bernardo, Joao Neves, Florentino, Martim Neto, Tiago Dantas, Chiquinho, Meite, Fredrik Aursnes

Forwards: Goncalo Ramos, Rafa Silva, Casper Tengstedt, Andreas Schjelderup, Henrique Araujo, Petar Musa, Tiago Gouveia

Benfica set to close deal for Slavia Prague left back

Benfica is set to acquire the services of Slavia Prague left-back David Jurasek for a reported fee of €13 million after the two clubs seem to have over come their remaining obstacles in getting this deal completed.

Benfica have been looking for a replacement for the now departed Alex Grimaldo and had been linked with a host of left backs around Europe but look to have finally landed an adequate replacement with the Czech international. 

The 22 year old Jurasek appeared in 45 games last season across all competitions, scoring twice while providing 13 helpers. Slavia Prague will retain 15 to 20 percent on any future sale.

Benfica considering €20M offer for Rafa Silva

Benfica are considering selling Rafa Silva to Qatari club Al-Sadd amid failing contract negotiations with the player that have both parties at an impasse. The news of selling their talented winger has taken many fans aback, amid the importance that Rafa provides to the club. The 30 year old is in the final year of his contract at Benfica and the club would prefer to not lose the talented player for free next summer.

Rafa joined Benfica in the summer of 2016 from Braga for €16M and has appeared in 273 games for the club across all competitions, scoring 72 goals while providing 63 helpers. His pace, skill and ability to score crucial goals has made him a fan favourite, however his contract situation has become increasingly problematic for both parties.

Benfica have already received an offer of €15M for Rafa from Al-Sadd but want €20M to even consider the move and while it may be disappointing for fans to see Rafa go, the situation highlights the complexities of modern football contacts.