Gabriel Índio ‘to join’ Benfica after verbal agreement between clubs | OneFootball

According to Fabrizio Romano, Benfica have reached a verbal agreement with Athletic MG to sign 17-year-old centre-back Gabriel Índio for about €4.2m, with final details being settled.

The process has been led by Mário Branco in recent days and is close to completion.

The position remains a priority for Benfica this window, and the left-footed defender is expected to join the first-team squad as fourth centre-back, filling the slot left by Gonçalo Oliveira, whose departure is imminent.

Even with this move, Rui Costa and the structure headed by Mário Branco remain in the market for a more experienced centre-back after Nicolás Otamendi’s exit, aiming to add experience alongside António Silva, Tomás Araújo and now Índio.

Napoli had recently targeted the Brazilian in a potential €4.5m deal, but Benfica won the race. In 2026 he made 14 first-team appearances and turns 18 on 26 July as he prepares to cross the Atlantic.

Source: Glorioso 1904