Mauro Furtado still waiting for Girona debut after Benfica exit | OneFootball

Mauro Furtado, the 18-year-old left-footed centre-back, left Benfica for Girona in the last window seeking senior minutes but is still awaiting a competitive debut. According to Glorioso 1904, the switch to Spain has not yet delivered the opportunities he hoped for.

The Portugal youth international starred as his country won the Under-17 World Cup, being named player of the final and the tournament’s third-best player. He did not feature for Benfica’s first team and was not included in Benfica B at the start of this season.

His move followed a failure to agree new terms, with his Benfica deal running to 2027. Benfica received €1 million for 50% of his economic rights, while Girona hold an option to buy a further 30% for €600,000. Furtado signed until 2031.

Settling in has proved complicated. He has yet to break into Quique Álvarez’s plans, with Alejandro Francés and Holmes Júnior preferred at centre-back. Furtado was on the bench for the last four games, against Sporting Gijón, Castellón, Cádiz and Albacete, without playing.

The picture contrasts with his rise in Benfica’s academy and Portugal’s age-group sides. For now, the defender must push for chances at a Girona team sitting sixth in La Liga 2 with 13 points from seven matches.

Source: Glorioso 1904

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