Alarm bells for Marco Silva! Benfica risk losing signing in January | OneFootball

Alessandro Circati is on his way to Benfica to strengthen the heart of the defense and give Marco Silva more options in that area. The 22-year-old Australia international has emerged as a solution to the gap left by António Silva’s departure to Bournemouth on August 1. However, the arrival of the center-back could bring a new concern for the Eagles as early as the start of next year.

Circati is one of the leading figures in Australia’s defensive unit and already has 17 international caps. The defender was even a starter in all four matches played by the Socceroos at the 2026 World Cup, establishing himself as an important part of Tony Popovic’s plans.

Australia’s next international competition could, however, force Benficato cope with an absence at a particularly demanding stage of the season. Australia have been drawn in Group D of the Asian Cup, a tournament that will take place in Saudi Arabia between January 7 and February 5, 2027.

If called up, Circati could miss several important matches for Benfica. The center-back’s absence could reduce the Reds’ defensive depth at a time that includes five league rounds, the final two matchdays of the UEFA Europa League league phase, and the Taça da Liga final four.

So, if Circati is part of Australia’s squad, Marco Silva could be without one of his new options in central defense for several weeks. On the one hand, the signing addresses an immediate Benfica need following António Silva’s departure. But on the other, it could force the Eagles to find additional solutions at precisely one of the most demanding stages of the season.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.