Benfica have a crazy deadline with flurry of moves

Benfica had a wild final day of the summer transfer window that saw five players move clubs as they get set for the next few months to compete with the players that remained or arrived at the club.

Benfica negotiated the arrival of Spanish left back Juan Bernat from PSG on loan for the season in hopes that the 30 year old can replace the production lost from the departed Alex Grimaldo. Benfica will pay half of Bernat's €5.5M salary as part of the loan and the deal will not include an option to buy at the conclusion of the season.

Benfica saw the departure of four players with keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos being the highest profile player to move on from the club. The former Benfica number one will be joining English side Nottingham Forest for €10M + add ons and signs a four year contract with the Premier League club. 

Benfica then made three smaller moves sending midfielder Paulo Bernardo to Celtic and Andreas Schjelderup to Nordsjaelland, both on loan. While left back Mihailo Ristic joined Spanish side Celta Vigo on a permanent basis with Benfica receiving €1.5M for the move.

 

Benfica shopping around left back Mihailo Ristic

In the world of football, player transfers are a common occurrence. Clubs are constantly looking to strengthen their squads and improve their chances of success. One such case is that of Benfica, who are reportedly shopping around for a new left back as Milahilo Ristic has fallen out of favor at the club.

Ristic, who joined Benfica in the summer of 2022 as a free agent from Montepellier, initially showed promise with his solid defensive performances and attacking contributions. However, over time, his form has dipped and he has struggled to find playing time even with current starter David Jurasek on the sideline due to injury.

As a result Benfica have begun actively shopping the left back with Spanish club Celta Vigo said to be interested in his services. Ristic has appeared in only twelve games with the club since arriving, scoring once while setting up another goal.

Benfica need to find a solution at left back

In the world of football, team selection plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of a match. The decision to play certain players out of position can often prove costly, as is the case with Benfica's choice to deploy midfielder Fredrik Aursnes at left back. This tactical move has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, as it has resulted in a series of disappointing performances.

Traditionally, left back is a position that requires defensive prowess and an ability to provide attacking support down the flank. Unfortunately, Aursnes lacks the necessary skills and experience to excel in this role. His natural position is in midfield, where he can utilize his passing abilities and contribute to the team's attacking and defensive play.

The consequences of playing Aursnes at left back have been evident on the pitch. Benfica's attack from the left side has been non existent as the right footed Aursnes struggles to fill a role once held by Alex Grimaldo. Grimaldo's replacement David Jurasek did not last a game before going down with an injury that will not see him return until after the International break at the earliest.

Benfica's other left back option Mihailo Ristic looks to have lost the trust of manager Roger Schmidt, if he ever had it to begin with as Schmidt has refused to use Ristic at his natural position over Aursnes. This decision has caused the flank to be underutilized and it is imperative that the coaching staff reassess their tactics if they plan to have achieve success on the pitch over the next month or two.