Jorge Jesus looks to Lazaro to play left back

Jorge Jesus has decided to tinker with his squad while the international break is on and has decided to try Inter Milan loanee Valentino Lazaro at left back in the clubs recent training game this week against Amadora. Jesus played the game in a 4-4-2 formation and had starting left back Alex Grimaldo playing more of a midfield role with Lazaro behind him in a defensive role.

The 25 year old Lazaro is just returning to action after being out of the line up for a month while he dealt with a muscle injury suffered in the club's Taca de Portugal game against Trofense. The new look formation and Lazaro's position change just enforces that manager Jesus is not happy with current back up Gil Dias in the role. The versatile Lazaro has appeared in six games for the club across all competitions this season.

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.