Former Benfica manager Ericsson diagnosed with cancer

Sadly, earlier today, former Benfica manager Sven-Goran Ericsson revealed his cancer diagnosis to the world. The 75 year old announced that he has pancreatic cancer, which is inoperable and, in a best case scenario, has about one year to live. Ericsson is doing his best to not think about his illness and enjoy the time he has left on this earth.

Ericsson managed Benfica on two different occasions during his career, he spent his first stop at the club from the summer of 1982 to the summer of 1984 and the second from the summer of 1989 to the summer of 1992. Ericsson won three league titles, a Taca de Portugal and a Super Cup in his time at the club. 

Ericsson also led Benfica to the 1990 European Cup Final, now known as the Champions League and the 1983 UEFA Cup Final, now known as the Europa League, losing in the finals on both occasions. 

Ericsson had a phenomenal managerial career that took him around the club with stops at Manchester City, Leicester City, Roma, Lazio, Fiorentina, IFK Goteborg and Shanghai SIPG among a handful of others, and managed national sides England, Mexico and the Ivory Coast.

Wishing that Ericsson finds peace during these trying times.

Benfica in advance talks with Mainz midfielder

Benfica are said to be in advanced talks with Mainz midfielder Leonardo Barreiro according, to reports out of Germany. Who's contract will end at the conclusion of the season and he is currently free to sign with any club.

The 24 year old Luxembourg international has been with the German club since joining their youth side in the summer of 2016. He has gone on to star with the main squad, appearing in 134 games across all competitions, scoring nine goals while providing eleven helpers.

Benfica are hoping to land the box to box midfielder as a potential replacement for their own free agent midfielder, in Chiquinho, who is also currently free to sign with any club, although the players differ in style.

Benfica have agreement for Rollheiser summer move

Benfica and Estudiantes came to an agreement earlier today about winger Benjamin Rollheiser. The 23 year old will not join Benfica right away and will remain with his Argentinian club until the summer, according to press reports from the South American country.

Benfica is set to pay Estudiantes €9M for 90% of Rollheiser's pass, with the Argentinian club retaining 10% for a future sale of the player. The signing of Rollheiser could also signal the end of Angel di Maria's return to the club, as the 35 year old's contract is up in the summer.