Benfica in talks with Corinthians for center back

Benfica have been linked with Corinthians center back Joao Vitor according to reports coming from Brazilian news outlet UOL and have already commenced talks with the Brazilian club about a loan move with an option to buy in January. Benfica are looking to land a replacement for center back Lucas Verissimo who is out of action for the remainder of the season.

Vitor has been with the Corinthians organization since the winter of 2017 and has appeared in 41 games across all competitions for the main club without scoring a goal while setting up one. The 23 year old has been a regular in Corinthians starting line up this season after spending last season on loan with Atletico Goianiense. Corinthians does only own 55% of the players rights and it is said Benfica could land that portion for €5M.

Benfica should look to league to fill injury

Benfica will be looking to acquire a center back when the winter transfer window opens in January after the season ending injury to Lucas Verissimo suffered in Week 11's victory over Braga. Verissimo's loss leaves a hole in Benfica's back line which plays three center backs regularly in their starting eleven. Benfica still have current starters Otamendi and Vertonghen healthy at the moment but both players are on the wrong side of 30 and susceptible to injury. Benfica's other options are 20 year old Morato and rarely seen 24 year old Ferro which does not provide confidence if the club succumbs to more injuries on the back end.

Benfica has been linked with a loan move once again with Barcelona's rarely used center back Samuel Umtiti but the club may be wise to look at more affordable options from within the Portuguese League who are accustomed to the style of play. Two names that come to mind and look to be a good fit with the club are Pacos Ferreira's Maracas and Estoril's Lucas Africo. The two players have played in Portugal since 2019 and are key cogs in their respective clubs back line. Maracas who is 27 years old and Africo who is 26 would provide the added insurance if the club were to lose additional players from their back line for extended periods of time.

Benfica suffer losses in big Braga win

Benfica played their best game in weeks in what amounted to a crushing 6-1 victory handed to Braga during Week 11 action in Portugal but the victory left a bitter taste in the mouths of the club and fans with Benfica suffering four injuries to players that have been regularly used in the starting eleven by manager Jorge Jesus. The worst of the four injuries is the loss of center back Lucas Verissimo after he suffered a right knee injury that will require surgery and end the 26 year old's season.

Joao Mario and Rafa Silva also suffered injuries in the victory and have been both dismissed from the Portugal national side, with Joao Mario suffering a back injury while Rafa suffered a muscle injury to his right thigh. The final injury was to striker Darwin Nunez who sustained a tendon injury to his right knee and he has also been dismissed from the Uruguay national side, the club has yet to provide how long the three will be out of action but with a Barcelona encounter in the Champions League just a couple of weeks away, here is hoping it is not too long.