Rui Costa identifies Nahuel Herrera as Benfica defensive target amid Spanish and Italian interest | OneFootball

Rui Costa has set his sights on Nahuel Herrera to strengthen Benfica’s back line, with interest from Spain and Italy complicating any move.

According to Glorioso 1904, the Peñarol centre-back, aged 21, has been scouted closely and Benfica’s interest is now a concrete factor in the market.

Clubs from Spain and Italy are also tracking the defender, a level of competition that could raise the price and make negotiations more difficult.

Herrera is regarded as one of Peñarol’s standout emerging talents in South America. He is under contract until June 2027, so a fee would be required, with his market value said to be around five million euros.

Benfica are planning the future of their defence. Nicolás Otamendi’s deal expires at the end of the season, António Silva is tied down until 2027 and Tomás Araújo until 2029, while prospects Gonçalo Oliveira and Joshua Wynder are highly rated.

This season for Peñarol, Herrera has played 40 matches, 30 in the Uruguayan league, eight in the Copa Libertadores and two in the Uruguayan Cup. Across 3,448 minutes, the centre-back has scored two goals.

Source: Glorioso 1904