Benfica have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Australia centre-back Alessandro Circati from Parma for €20m plus add-ons.
The 22-year-old is now travelling to Portugal to complete the proposed move to the Portuguese giants, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. Circati has also given the deal his ‘green light’ and is expected to join a Benfica side managed by former Fulham boss Marco Silva.
The transfer would represent a significant step in Circati’s career after he established himself in Parma’s first team during the past season. He made 33 appearances in all competitions as the Italian club finished 13th in Serie A.
Circati’s progress at club level has also been matched by his involvement with Australia. He represented the Socceroos at this summer’s World Cup and played every minute of their campaign.
Australia were eliminated by Egypt in the round of 32, bringing their tournament to an end. Circati’s continued presence throughout the competition further underlined his importance to the national team despite his relative lack of experience at the highest level.
Benfica’s interest in the defender comes after the club explored other options in the transfer market. They had been linked with Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo, while Southampton rejected a bid for Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Circati is now set to become Benfica’s latest defensive reinforcement, with the proposed agreement taking him away from Parma after his breakthrough season in Italy. The move remains subject to the final stages of the transfer process, but the player’s approval and the reported fee indicate that the deal is at an advanced stage.
