Aursnes to return to wing position for upcoming season

Benfica's Swiss army knife Fredrik Aursnes looks to have received some promising news from manager Roger Schmidt for the upcoming season after the German bench boss stated that he will look to use Aursnes in the wing position mainly again, a position that Aursnes excelled at in Benfica's championship winning season.

Aursnes was used every which way last season, from right back to left back and a more defined role will not only help the 28 year old Norwegian international but Benfica in general. Aursnes played in 55 games across all competitions last season, scoring four goals while providing twelve helpers.

Robin Gosens says yes to move to Benfica

According to reports out of Portugal, Union Berlin left back Robin Gosens has said yes to a summer transfer to join Benfica for next season. Berlin has turned down two approaches for Gosen from Bologna, as the club looks for around €10M to let go of the German international and Benfica looks set to meet their price demands to make the move possible.

Gosens will turn 30 years old next month and joined Berlin last summer from Inter Milan, but the move did not pan out, as although Gosens' scored seven goals while providing four helpers across 37 games, the Berlin side had a miserable season and barely avoided relegation after competing in the Champions League for the first time. 

Gosens is looking for a move to a more competitive club, something that he does not feel Berlin will have in 2024-25 and Benfica is looking to give Roger Schmidt an option at left back for the upcoming season, something they sorely lacked during this past campaign. 

Benfica will look to close an agreement with Berlin shortly as they continue to strengthen their squad for 2024-25 as they prepare to recapture the league title and present a stronger squad in the Champions League.

 

Pavlidis in Lisbon as clubs work out legals

Greek international striker Vangelis Pavlidis arrived in Lisbon on Thursday and has completed his medicals and physical tests with Benfica. The club and player have come to an agreement on salary, but the club has yet to announce the signing of the 25 year old as they work out the legality of the move from AZ Alkmaar.

Benfica will pay Alkmaar around €18M with add-ons that could see the deal reach €20M. The Dutch side will also either maintain a percentage of Pavlidis's pass or earn a percentage of a future sale as part of the transfer. Benfica are hoping to announce the signing of last season's Eredivise Golden Boot winner in the coming days.

UPDATE 06/25/24 - AZ Alkmaar have asked Benfica to make deal official on July 1st so that the sale will go into next year's fiscal year.