Benedetti returns for Palmeiras after nearly two months amid European interest | OneFootball

Benedetti returned to Palmeiras’ senior side against Athletico on Sunday after nearly two months without a game, and his comeback was welcomed internally despite a penalty he conceded being overturned by VAR.

According to Globo.com, the 19-year-old centre-back has drawn interest from Europe, with Como in Italy making an enquiry, coached by Cesc Fàbregas, because of the possible departure of starter Jacobo Ramón.

He is under contract until 2029 and has a €100m release clause, about R$600m at current rates.

He was named by the CIES Football Observatory among the 10 most versatile centre-backs worldwide under 20. Despite standing 1.97m, he has clocked a top speed above 30 km/h.

When he drops to the under-20s he captains the side and wore the armband during their Libertadores campaign, which ended in third place.

“He is an incredible centre-back, perhaps the most complete,” said Brazil under-20 coach Lucas Andrade. “Benedetti is two metres tall and very fast. We will see him a lot in the Premier League and the Champions League,” he told the PodPorco podcast.

Palmeiras intend to keep developing him between youth and first-team minutes. He has 17 senior appearances and one goal, with five games this season, two as a starter.

Source: Globo.com