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Alessandro Circati joins Benfica from Parma in major transfer
Australian international defender Alessandro Circati has officially joined Portuguese club Benfica from Italian side Parma. The 22-year-old centre-back signed a five-year contract through 2031 in a deal reported to be worth approximately 20 million euros, with additional performance-related bonuses potentially bringing the total to 22 million euros or roughly $33 million AUD.
Circati, who has earned 17 caps for the Socceroos and played in the recent World Cup, arrives in Lisbon following a successful tenure at Parma where he made nearly 100 appearances. Benfica manager Marco Silva noted that Circati possesses the maturity and leadership qualities the club sought to strengthen its defensive line.
Parma will use the significant transfer fee to reinvest in their squad, with interest already reported in Brazilian defender Diego Carlos from Fenerbahce as a potential replacement. Circati's move follows a series of high-profile transfers for Australian players, including Nestory Irankunda to Sporting CP and Lucas Herrington to Hull City.
Entities
Alessandro Circati · Benfica · Kyle Krause · Marco Silva · Parma · Socceroos
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Circati has reached an economic agreement with Benfica.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Circati has earned 17 caps for the Australian national team.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Benfica is in advanced negotiations to sign defender Alessandro Circati from Parma.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Circati has made 96 appearances for Parma.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The transfer fee is reported to be €20m plus add-ons.