Transfer market buzzing: Rui Costa eyes Italian striker to boost Benfica | OneFootball

Jeff Ekhator is the latest name linked to Benfica. According to reports, the Club of Light is still in the market with the aim of signing a striker, a requirement that José Mourinho wants to see fulfilled during the month of January.

As reported by the newspaper Record, on the afternoon of Thursday, January 22, the 19-year-old forward, contractually tied to Genoa, is appealing to the club's officials. The same source reveals that the Management, led by Rui Costa, has already started the procedures to determine the terms of a possible transfer.

It is no secret that José Mourinho wants to sign another forward for the Benfica team. Despite having Vangelis Pavlidis and Franjo Ivanovic, the Special One wants a player with different characteristics from the Greek and the Croatian. So far, Ekhator, an under-20 international for Italy, holds the status of a substitute at the Italian club.

With Rafa Silva practically secured — only the official announcement is missing —, the Club of Light turns its attention to other gaps to be filled in the squad. Today, the press also reported that the club intends to strengthen the midfield, with Stije Resink being the player desired by the Special One.

This season, wearing the Genoa jersey, Jeff Ekhator — valued at 7 million euros — has already played 19 official matches for the Italian club: 17 in Serie A and two in the Italian Cup. In the 521 minutes he was on the pitch, the forward scored three goals.

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