Benfica captain says good bye to club

Benfica captain Jardel has recently stated to Brazilian journalist Cristian Delo Santos @cdelosantos on his blog that his time at Benfica has come to an end after eleven seasons once his contract expires at the end of this month. Jardel hopes to continue his career in Europe but is uncertain at this time where that might be and with who. The 35 year old joined Benfica from Desportivo Brasil in the winter of 2011 for €4.48M after spending time on loan with Portuguese clubs Estoril and Olhanense.

Jardel appeared in 285 games for Benfica across all competitions, scoring 16 goals and adding 17 assists in a Benfica career that saw the veteran center back spend a good amount of time on the injury list the past three seasons. Jardel won five Portuguese League Championships during his Benfica tenure and also added five League Cups, three Super Cups and two Portuguese Cups for a total of 15 titles. Jardel was named the clubs captain in September 2018 after the retirement of country man Luisao. 

Jardel Benfica Highlights:

- Joined club from Deportivo Brasil on January 2011
- Appeared in first game on February 11, 2011 against Guimaraes
- Scored first goal on April 28, 2011 against Braga in Europa League
- Won first Portuguese League title during the 2013/14 season
- Scored first league goal on January 4, 2015 against Penafiel
- Named club captain in September 2018
- Won first League title as captain during the 2018/19 season 

Thank you Jardel for your time at the club and wishing you the best wherever your career takes you next.

Simao Sabrosa joins Benfica ranks

Former Benfica winger Simao Sabrosa has been announced as the clubs new director of international relations a position that he took with the club at the start of this month. The 41 year old will be tasked with expanding the Benfica brand across the globe a position previously held by another former player in Nuno Gomes. Simao will represent Benfica at draws for European competitions as well as travel to the clubs schools across the globe. Simao spent six seasons with Benfica were he won three trophies, including a league championship, he was named the Portuguese League player of the year for the 2006/07 season.

Benfica continue to analyze market for reinforcements

As the off season continues Benfica are looking around for reinforcements to the squad as they look to improve from last seasons debacle. The latest player linked to the club is Colombian winger Duvan Vergara who applies his trade in his homeland with CD America de Cali. Benfica is currently preparing for the departure of various players during the summer transfer window and are counting on their acquisitions to produce more for the club for this upcoming season so need to get it right.

Vergara has appeared in 64 games across all competitions since his loan spell from the summer of 2019 and scored 16 goals, while setting up an additional ten. Vergara's loan from CA Rosario was made permanent at the start of the 2020 year and CD America de Cali are said to be asking for €8M to let go of the 24 year old. Portuguese rivals Sporting have also been linked with the services of Vergara and have made him a target for the summer months as both Lisbon clubs try to seal a move for the player.