Lucas Verissimo departure from Benfica looks imminent

Benfica defender Lucas Verissimo looks set to depart the club during the summer transfer window as the soon to be 28 year old looks for more playing time that he is unlikely to get remaining with the Lisbon side.

Benfica are said to be looking for an outright sale of Verissimo as they look to recuperate the €6.5M they paid to acquire him in the summer of 2021. Verissimo's name has been linked with a host of Brazilian sides from Flamengo to Corinthians but Benfica's likely asking price of €10M may be too rich for these clubs.

Verissimo currently sits fourth on Benfica's depth chart at center back and with Tomas Araujo and Joao Victor returning from their respective loans the competition will be high to maintain that role, making Verissimo's departure is highly likely. 

Benfica continue search for left back in Dutch League

With Benfica still unable to secure an agreement with AZ Alkmaar for left back Milos Kerkez, the club is looking at alternative options to replace departing starter Alex Grimaldo within the Dutch League and are said to have inquired about Twente left back Gijs Smal.

The 25 year old appeared in 44 games across all competitions last season, scoring twice while providing eleven helpers and as is said to be available for around €10M. Benfica is hoping to have their future starting left back in place before the club returns from their off season and starts to prepare on the field for next season.

Benfica should look to Inter Milan for midfield depth

Benfica needs to add more depth to their midfield and one player that could add value is Inter Milan defensive midfielder Marcelo Brozovic. The 30 year old Croatian international has a good work rate and vision while providing the tough presence in the middle of the pitch.

With the potential departure of Florentino in the summer transfer window Benfica will need to fill the youngsters spot and the experienced Brozovic would be an excellent choice in the starting XI or off the bench while providing the club with more time to groom a younger version from their famed Seixal academy.

Brozovic has been at Inter since the summer of 2016 and although his first few seasons at the Italian side were disappointing, Brozovic came into his own with a position switch from attacking midfielder to defensive. Brozovic also provides manager Schmidt with a versatile player that can play a variety of positions at the club.