Benfica target eyed by Rui Costa could sign for Serie A strugglers | OneFootball

Felipe Loyola, a player who has previously been linked with Benfica in past transfer windows, is very close to being transferred to Italian football. The Chilean midfielder did not take part in Independiente’s squad for the friendly match against Everton the previous night, a clear sign that the deal is well underway.

According to information from journalist César Luis Merlo, Pisa, from Italy, has submitted a formal offer of 7 million euros for 70% of the Independiente player’s rights, also including a purchase option of 4.5 million euros for the remaining 30%. Negotiations are at an advanced stage, and Loyola’s absence from the friendly further fuels expectations of an imminent departure.

Felipe Loyola, 24 years old, is one of the standout players for the Argentine club and has attracted the interest of several European clubs, including the club led by Rui Costa, who closely followed his development. However, all indications are that Pisa will secure the midfielder, in a deal that could reach a total value close to 11.5 million euros.

The Chilean international midfielder, who can also play as a right-back, besides being scouted by the Lisbon club, was also on the radar of Bayern Munich and Juventus. However, it seems the midfielder’s future will be with the second-to-last placed team in Serie A.

In 2025, wearing Independiente’s shirt, Felipe Loyola – valued at 8 million euros – played 41 matches: 31 in the Primera División, seven in the Copa Sudamericana, and three in the Copa Argentina. In the 3,235 minutes he was on the pitch, the player scored nine goals and provided four assists.

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