Fenerbahce interested in Antwerp right back

Turkish side Fenerbahce have been linked with a move for Royal Antwerp right back Aurelio Buta who's sale would profit Benfica as the cluv still owns 50% of the players rights after allowing the 24 year old to depart the club for Belgium in the summer of 2018. Antwerp are said to be looking for a minimum of €3.5M to allow the move of their starting right back.

Buta appeared in 34 games for Antwerp across all competitions last season, failing to score a goal but he did set up five goals. In his career with Antwerp, Buta has appeared in 107 games across all competitions with the Belgian side, scoring twice while setting up another 18 goals. Buta spent his youth career at Benfica's famous Seixal academy but never made an appearance with the main club before his departure. 

Benfica looking at return of former player

Benfica continue their off season search to find players that fit the mold of manager Jorge Jesus and their latest inquiry has led them to a former academy player in Santa Clara's central defender Fabio Cardoso. The 27 year old played his youth football at Benfica's famous Seixal academy before departing in January 2016 for a loan spell at Pacos Ferreira. Cardoso would then make a permanent move to Setubal during the summer of 2016 before departing Portugal to spend a season with Scotland's Rangers prior to joining his current club in the summer of 2018.

Cardoso appeared in 32 games across all competitions last season, scoring three goals while setting up another, he has been a constant presence in his three seasons with the Azorian club appearing in 97 games across all competitions. Santa Clara are said to be open to move their captain for around €3M-€4M, a price tag that can be easily negotiated with Benfica. Jorge Jesus is looking to play with three center backs in his starting eleven on a regular basis next season and is interested in adding Cardoso to add to his depth options at the back line.

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.