Lafont's name has also been mentioned as a potential future member of France's national side after having already appeared for all of his nations youth squads. Lafont has appeared in 144 games for Nantes across all competitions and posted 35 clean sheets in that time. Lafont also spent a season in Italy as a member of Fiorentina during the 2018/19 season.
Saturday, March 18, 2023
Benfica interested in Nantes keeper
Friday, March 17, 2023
Benfica to face Inter Milan on path to Finals
The winner of the Benfica/Inter Milan clash will then move on to face the winner of the Napoli/AC Milan encounter in the semi-final round set to take place in May before then making their way to the Finals in Istanbul on June 10 which is fittingly Portugal Day. Benfica's path sees them avoid, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester City until the finals of the competition.
Monday, March 13, 2023
Benfica could look within league for new left back
If Benfica are unable to reach an agreement with Grimaldo the club could follow the example of their league rivals and look to acquire a player for a discounted price from inside their respective league. There are a pair of league players who could compete with Ristic for a spot in the starting XI next season and Benfica manager Roger Schmidt may just be able to work some magic a la Joao Mario with one of the two players below.
Leonardo Lelo - Casa Pia - 22 years old
Lelo has had a fantastic season for Casa Pia and has caught the attention of Portuguese clubs, he has appeared in 17 league games, scoring one goal while setting up three. Lelo came up through Olhanense's youth system and has recently received a call up to Portugal's Under 21 squad. Lelo is a complete left back who can take set pieces and has excellent crosses into the box.
Ricardo Mangas - Boavista - 24 years old
Mangas is a former Seixal academy product, so the club has some familiarity with the player, he has appeared in 19 league games this season, scoring two goals. Mangas spent last season on loan with French club Bordeaux where he was regular starter but was returned back to Boavista at seasons end after the French sides relegation. Mangas has a good first touch and speed that allows him to be dangerous in the attacking zone.