Benfica target who played with Neymar slips away from the Eagles | OneFootball

Renan Lodi will no longer be joining Benfica. The full-back has been officially announced as a new signing for Atlético Mineiro, frustrating the plans of the Eagles. As our newspaper exclusively reported, the Brazilian international had been identified by the structure led by Rui Costa to fill gaps in the defensive sector, but the deal has fallen through.

Returning to his home country, the defender will find some familiar faces from Portuguese football. The winger will share the dressing room with Hulk, former Porto star, and also with Biel. The latter is remembered by Sporting fans as a flop, having left no fond memories during his time at Alvalade.

Before this move, the player was in Saudi Arabia, where he played alongside Neymar at Al Hilal. His time with the Brazilian star was one of the highlights of his stint in the Middle East. Now, his focus shifts to the Brasileirão, closing the Asian chapter of his sporting career with a new challenge.

Benfica turns attention to other targets

With this door closed, Benfica’s SAD is turning its attention to other targets. The name of Raphaël Guerreiro has gained strength in recent hours. The Bayern Munich player is seen as a valid alternative to immediately add quality to the left flank of the team led by José Mourinho.

In 2024/25, playing for Al-Hilal, Renan Lodi – valued at 12 million euros – played 21 matches: 12 in the Saudi Premier League, five in the Club World Cup, three in the AFC Champions League Elite, and one in the King’s Cup. In the 1,633 minutes he was on the pitch, the defender scored two goals and provided three assists.

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