G. Vanelli close to Benfica move as Roma wing-pivot nears exit | OneFootball

Benfica are close to announcing the signing of G. Vanelli from Roma, the wing-pivot who recently won the World Championship.

According to Glorioso 1904, the 26-year-old joined Roma from Futsal Pescara at the start of last season.

Born in Brazil and naturalised Italian, she has become a key figure for Italy. She featured at the most recent Women’s Futsal World Cup, playing all four matches. She scored two goals, including against Portugal in a 3-2 group-stage defeat, and finished the tournament on 14 caps and three goals.

Before Roma, Gaby Vanelli represented Kick Off C5 and Lazio Calcio a 5, building a solid career in Italian futsal. If the move is completed, Benfica would add a player comfortable both out wide and as a pivot, bringing versatility.

Her possible arrival fits Benfica’s plan to reinforce the squad, sustain domestic dominance and raise European competitiveness. So far, neither the club nor the player has confirmed an agreement.

The potential deal comes amid significant change in Benfica’s women’s futsal. Captain Inês Fernandes has departed, while Maria Inês and Raquel Santos are expected to leave this summer, ending near decade-long spells with the club.

Source: Glorioso 1904