The Portuguese Football Federation has released a date for next seasons Candindo Oliveira Super Cup between Benfica and FC Porto and the Cup game normally played to commence the new league year. The Federation has postponed the game until December 23 due to the current world COVID-19 pandemic that has caused havoc across leagues worldwide with scheduling. Benfica and FC Porto both agreed to postpon
e the game for a later date initially and at this time no venue has been disclosed that will host the cup game.
Fluminense right back Gilberto is set to become Benfica's first acquisition under the new Jorge Jesus era with the 27 year old prepared to travel to Lisbon to complete his medicals this week. According to reports out of Portugal an agreement has been made between the two clubs for a reported €3M with only the players contract left to formalize. Gilberto officially became a member of Fluminense in January after the club purchased 50% of his playing rights after he spent the past two seasons on loan from Fiorentina who own the remaining 50%. The Brazilian right back has appeared in 60 games for Fluminense across all competitions, scoring four goals while setting up five. The acquisition of Gilberto would add another experienced right back to the fold with current starter Andre Almeida still at the club.
Jorge Jesus' has finally been announced as the next Benfica manager and will take over the reigns of the club as he "Officially" makes his return to Benfica after five years away from the club signing a two year contract. Jesus was convinced to leave Brazilian side Flamengo by current club President Luis Filipe Vieira with the promise of the club opening their purse strings and bolstering the current squad to Jesus' liking. The next week should see the club decide on who is departing via transfer and who will be loaned for next season from the current crop of players. Benfica have been linked to a flurry of players since the reports of Jesus' return to the club and have been in negotiations with several clubs and players as they attempt to strengthen the squad. Jesus is hoping that former club captain Luisao joins his current staff as an assistant as he looks to close the gap quickly between himself and the squad. The next several weeks will surely be busy for the Lisbon club as they mold the sculpture for next season.
