Antwerp in talks with Boca Juniors over loan deal for promising young midfielder | OneFootball

Antwerp are, according to Het Nieuwsblad, in discussions with Argentinian side Boca Juniors over a loan deal for 20-year-old midfielder Mauricio Benitez. The Belgian side are hoping to take advantage of the side signing former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera and poach Benitez from the club. The side have recently seen Ayrton Costa leave Belgium to join Boca, so perhaps a loan deal in the other direction was part of the discussion. Antwerp would then like to have a purchase option included in the deal.

Benitez is a defensive midfielder, a position Antwerp would like to strengthen having lost both Alhassan Yusuf and Mandela Keita in recent transfer windows. Benitez made his debut in 2024 and has played 11 games for the side in all competitions, having come through the sides youth system. Transfermarkt value the midfielder at €400k, with his current contract running until 2028.

After a 3-2 win over Westerlo at the weekend Antwerp are currently sitting in fifth place in the Pro League table.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson