Tiago Gouveia set for Benfica return as Nice 'not to pay' 8 million euros clause | OneFootball

Tiago Gouveia is set to return to Benfica next season after his loan at Nice, although his future remains open and could yet change.

Record writes that Nice, who are fighting to stay in Ligue 1, have informed the player and Rui Costa’s board they will not pay the 8 million euros option, which would bring him back to Seixal.

With pre-season in mind, the 24-year-old will try to convince José Mourinho to keep him in the first-team squad.

Loaned last summer after being left out of Bruno Lage’s plans, Gouveia has struggled in France, lacking consistency to meet expectations at both Benfica and Nice. He played only one minute across the last three matches.

A return does not necessarily spell good news for the former Portugal under-21 winger. Given his output on loan, Benfica may consider alternative solutions on the flank, even though he has often said he would like to work with Mourinho.

This season for Nice he has made 24 appearances, 15 in Ligue 1, seven in the Europa League and two in the Coupe de France. Across 935 minutes, he has scored two goals.

Source: Glorioso 1904