André Luiz: Benfica ‘to walk away’ from Rio Ave move | OneFootball

According to CNN Portugal, Benfica are understood to have walked away from a deal for André Luiz after talks with Rio Ave.

The club felt negotiations would not reach a positive outcome and, with that in mind, Rui Costa’s board opted to drop the move and focus on other January priorities. Benfica had pursued the 23-year-old winger since the window opened.

The clearest issue appears to be the Vila do Conde side’s stance on price, with Evangelos Marinakis seeking close to 20 million euros, prompting Benfica to consider alternative targets.

With the deal viewed as off, the arrival of Rafa Silva, expected to be in Portugal today, 21 January, gains traction. Italian interest remains in the background, and this could also affect Benfica’s thinking on a possible Andreas Schjelderup departure.

André Luiz is valued at 4 million euros and is under contract until June 2029. He has made 19 appearances for Rio Ave this season, 18 in Liga Portugal Betclic and one in the Taça de Portugal, totalling 1,463 minutes, with seven goals and five assists.

Source: Glorioso 1904