Benfica have been linked to another summer improvement according to reports out of Portugal and this time it is Tigres attacking midfielder Leonardo Fernandez who is currently on loan with another Mexican side Toluca. The 21 year old Uruguayan joined Tigres in the summer of 2019 from CA Fenix but has yet to make an appearance with Tigres. Fernandez has appeared in 11 games for Toluca across all competitions, scoring eight times while setting up three goals. The under 23 international is the owner of a left foot that has been making waves in Mexico and plays a coveted position by Benfica which is the #8 role. Tigres is looking for €15M to part with Fernandez's services, a sum that Benfica are close to acquiring from West Brom for the sale of Filip Krovinovic. Jorge Mendes is said to be leading the negotiations on Benfica's behalf and was set to meet with Fernandez's agent Jorge Chijane but that meeting had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Benfica could find what they are looking for right in their own backyard when it comes to strengthening the center back spot for the club this off season. Benfica will more then likely see Ruben Dias depart and with reports coming from both Portugal and Spain, the club could also see the departure of Ferro and captain Jardel when all is said and done. Benfica have promising youngster Morato to look forward to in the future but at the tender age of 18, the young Brazilian defender is still too green to take over a regular role with the main squad. Benfica have also been linked to 23 year old Freiburg defender Robin Koch who could come with a €20M price tag and be more then an adequate starter with the club but the squad would still be short at least two defenders that they could rely on to play regular minutes.
Benfica midfielder Pizzi has had his name mentioned on the short list of Manchester United as a potential summer target if United are to miss out on their main target Jadon Sancho. The 30 year old Pizzi has been one of the best players in the Portuguese League the past few seasons and currently sits second behind teammate Vinicius for the leagues golden boot this year. Pizzi who joined Benfica in the summer of 2013 become a main stay with the club during the 2014/15 season after a season loan at Espanyol and has appeared in 270 games with the club across all competitions, scoring 72 goals and adding 80 assists. A move to United would see Pizzi join fellow Portuguese players Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot at the club and give United two of the best players in the Portuguese League over the past few seasons within a 6 month span after landing Fernandes in January. Pizzi is signed with Benfica until the summer of 2023 and has a current buy out clause of €60M. Benfica should not expect United to get close to that buy out due to Pizzi's age but the club would more then likely be open to moving their best player for half that price if you United were to get that high.
