Benfica continue their search for a keeper and have now turned their attention to Sevilla netminder Sergio Rico. Rico spent last season on loan in the Premier League with Fulham appearing in 29 league games and posting five clean sheets on the second worst team in the English league. The 25 year old Rico has come through Sevilla's youth ranks and appeared in one game for the Spanish national side. Benfica have been looking to sign a goaltender all summer to battle with current number one Vladchodimos and were a failed physical away from acquiring Juventus' Mattia Perin Benfica have also been recently linked to Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet and Robin Olsen from Roma.
The Portuguese league's first week schedule was released on Tuesday and Benfica's opening game time and date is now set. Benfica will open their Portuguese league season on August 10 at 9:30pm WEST at the Estadio da Luz against newly promoted Pacos Ferreira. Benfica will be looking to defend and win their league leading 38th championship this season as Bruno Lage looks to complete his first full season as the clubs manager.
Benfica and Juventus are still discussing a move of right back Joao Ferreira to the Turin club even with the failure of the two clubs closing a move for keeper Mattia Perin due to his failed physical. Benfica are still open to moving the 18 year old Ferreira to Juventus for €5M but have insisted on maintaining 50% of the players rights for any future sale by Juventus. Ferreira is currently with Benfica in America as the club competes in the Internantional Champions Cup.
