Benfica eye Barcelona starlet, but Rui Costa faces a tough challenge | OneFootball

Álvaro Cortés is being linked to Benfica. According to what the national press has reported, the young center-back, who plays in Barcelona's youth academy, has sparked strong interest from the Benfica structure. However, the same sources explain that Rui Costa faces some competition for the Spaniard.

Radio Marca reports that Benfica is one of the clubs interested in the 20-year-old defender, who has been playing in the Catalans' youth ranks. Even so, the same source indicates that Cortés may leave Barcelona, as he has not yet managed to reach the main squad, coached by Hansi Flick.

However, Marca states that the Club of Light, presided over by Rui Costa, is not the only one interested in signing the Spain U-20 international. Besides Benfica, Ajax, Getafe, and even a team from Italian football are some of the names linked to Cortés. Without any certainties, the defender could indeed be a possible Christmas gift for José Mourinho.

On the other hand, this business model between Benfica and Barcelona would not be new for the Eagles. Almost ten years ago, the Reds secured the signing of Alejandro Grimaldo, who also didn't have room to reach the main squad of the Catalans, and his arrival at Luz proved to be a winning bet in the following seasons.

Álvaro Cortés — currently valued at 300,000 euros — has a contract with the Catalans until the end of 2025/26. In the current sports season, the number 4 has played 11 official matches in the Segunda RFEF (Spanish fourth division). In the 990 minutes he was on the pitch, he scored one goal.

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