Benfica not prepared to let Darwin leave for peanuts

With the January transfer window just around the corner the name of Benfica striker Darwin Nunez has started to heat up the news wire as some of Europe's bigger clubs have their names linked with the acquisition of the Uruguayan international. Benfica President Rui Costa has already made it clear that the club has no interest in moving the 22 year old during the winter window and that clubs will need to wait until the summer before the club would consider discussing any move away from Lisbon.

Nunez joined Benfica in the summer of 2020 for a club record €24M from Spanish club Almeria and has appeared in 57 games across all competitions, scoring 22 goals while setting up an additional 14. Nunez currently has a €150M buy out clause which would be difficult to meet due to the current financial difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic but Benfica also know that they have found a gem and any move away from Benfica will be a costly one for any club looking to land Nunez. Benfica at this time should be looking to land a minimum of €70M from any interested buyer and that total may grow if Nunez continues his fine form.

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.