Benfica respond to River Plate’s approach for Gianluca Prestianni | OneFootball

Sport Lisboa e Benfica has already defined its strategy regarding the future of Gianluca Prestianni, closing the door on a possible loan during the market reopening. The Buenos Aires club has been persistent in signing the 19-year-old winger, but the administration led by Rui Costa shows no willingness to negotiate the player's loan.

The Argentine press recently reported that the 'Millonarios' had made a formal proposal that included a one-year loan with a purchase option clause. However, according to the newspaper A Bola, the contacts established between the two institutions were only informal, with no official offer reaching the Luz offices to try to secure the forward during this transfer window.

The Benfica board sees the number 25 as a promising talent with enormous potential, whose value has risen considerably recently. The left-footer's valuation skyrocketed after his key role in Argentina's journey to the final of this year's U-20 World Cup, as well as his recent debut with the main national team in a friendly match against Angola.

The significant investment made by the Eagles also weighs in the decision to keep the player on the roster. The creative player was recruited from Vélez Sarsfield in January 2023, in a financial operation that cost 9.5 million euros to the Luz coffers. The structure intends to capitalize on the asset sportingly in Lisbon, avoiding his early departure to the league from which he originates and where he has already shown all his quality.

A possible departure of Prestianni in January will always depend on the movements that occur in the transfer market. Despite the current intransigence regarding the loan, the scenario may change if proposals of another nature arise, but the priority is to keep the talent in the squad under José Mourinho's orders, unless an irresistible offer appears.

This season, playing for Benfica, Gianluca Prestianni - valued at 8 million euros - has played 16 matches: 10 in Liga Portugal Betclic, four in the Champions League (two in qualification and two in the league phase), one in the Allianz Cup, and another in the Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup. In the 440 minutes he was on the pitch, the 19-year-old winger scored two goals and made one assist.

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