Official! On final day, Benfica let 21-year-old gem leave for free | OneFootball

Rafael Luís has officially left Benfica and will continue his career in Turkey. On the final day of the transfer window, the 21-year-old defensive midfielder signed for Gençlerbirligi in a deal that allows the Eagles to retain an important position regarding the player’s future.

Despite the permanent departure, Benfica kept 50 percent of Rafael Luís’s economic rights and also secured a buy-back option, thus maintaining room to act in the event of the midfielder’s rise in value. The link between the two clubs, moreover, is not new.

Rafael Luís came through the Benfica academy, having joined the club in the 2010/11 season. The midfielder was even part of the first team’s pre-season last year and had the chance to be fielded by Bruno Lage in the match against Fenerbahçe in the Eusébio Cup, which ended in a 3-2 win for Benfica. Despite the opportunity, the youngster was eventually loaned to Strasbourg, where he had his first experience in French football.

While playing for the French side, Rafael Luís made 18 appearances and scored one goal before returning to Benfica. Rafael Luís now joins a real Portuguese community at the Ankara club. Gençlerbirligi’s squad also includes Pedro Pereira, Kevin Soares and Pedro Mendes.

The Portugal youth international signed a contract valid for two seasons, until 2028, beginning a new stage in his career. Benfica, in turn, wished the midfielder "success in his sporting career and happiness on a personal level."

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