Glorioso 1904 exclusive - French won't pay 10M, player back at Benfica | OneFootball

Strasbourg will not trigger the €10 million purchase option for Rafael Luís, Glorioso 1904 has learned. The Portuguese midfielder, who is on loan from Benfica, is therefore set to return to the Luz at the end of the season.

The 21-year-old’s performances did not fully convince the French club’s hierarchy to move forward with a permanent signing, so the matter is, at this stage, practically closed regarding his stay at the current eighth-placed Ligue 1 side.

Given this scenario, Rafael Luís will report back to Benfica at the start of next season, although, for now, the club’s board has yet to make a final decision regarding the player’s future, keeping all options open.

What is certain is that the midfielder will be closely monitored during pre-season, where he will have the chance to prove himself and try to convince José Mourinho that he can be part of the first-team squad, in what is expected to be a demanding battle for a place in the team.

This season, playing for Strasbourg, Rafael Luís - valued at €4 million - has made 15 appearances: nine in Ligue 1, five in the Conference League and one in the Coupe de France. In the 653 minutes he has been on the pitch, he has yet to register a goal or an assist.

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