It's over! Rui Costa delays over Ibrahima Ba, defender won't join Benfica | OneFootball

António Silva’s possible departure is forcing Benfica to return to the market in search of a new centre-back. Ibrahima Ba, a 21-year-old Senegal international who plays for Famalicão, was the favourite of the structure led by Rui Costa, but the Eagles’ hopes have now come to an end.

It is known that Marco Silva, in a last-ditch effort, still spoke with the Senegalese defender to try to convince him to move to the Luz, stressing the role he could have at the Club, but without success. Benfica’s structure will now have to look for another name for that position.

For the first-choice options, once António Silva leaves, only Clément Lenglet and Tomás Araújo remain. There are also youngsters Gabriel Índio and Rui Silva, but without the experience seen as ideal to take on a significant role in the Benfica team. The coaching staff want to have at least three more experienced centre-backs who can offer greater guarantees.

According to reports in the national press, the Minho side will receive 20 million euros and secure 15 percent of a future transfer of the centre-back. Ibrahima Ba will join a club that has a strong partnership with Chelsea.

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