Benfica eyeing Barcelona starlet, but Rui Costa faces a tough task | OneFootball

Álvaro Cortés is being linked to Benfica. According to reports from the national press, the young center-back, who plays in Barcelona’s youth academy, has sparked strong interest from the Benfica management. However, the same sources explain that Rui Costa is facing some competition for the Spaniard.

Radio Marca reports that Benfica is one of the clubs interested in the 20-year-old defender, who has been playing in the youth ranks of the Catalan side. Even so, the same source adds that Cortés could leave Barcelona, as he has yet to break into the first team, currently managed by Hansi Flick.

However, Marca points out that the Lisbon club, presided over by Rui Costa, is not the only one interested in signing the Spanish U-20 international. In addition to Benfica, Ajax, Getafe, and even a team from Italian football are among the names linked to Cortés. With nothing certain, the defender could even be a possible Christmas gift for José Mourinho.

On the other hand, this type of deal between Benfica and Barcelona would not be new for the Eagles. Almost ten years ago, Benfica secured the signing of Alejandro Grimaldo, who also had no space in the Catalan first team, and his arrival at Luz proved to be a winning bet in the following seasons.

Álvaro Cortés — currently valued at 300 thousand euros — is under contract with the Catalans until the end of the 2025/26 season. In the current campaign, the number 4 has made 11 official appearances in the Segunda RFEF (Spanish fourth division). In the 990 minutes he has played, he has scored one goal.

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