Socceroos defender Alessandro Circati set for blockbuster $32m Benfica transfer

Another Socceroo is set to join a Portuguese top-flight club, with star defender Alessandro Circati reportedly leaving Italian team Parma to sign with Benfica.

Just days after Socceroos winger Nestory Irankunda’s move from English Championship outfit Watford to Portuguese Primeira Liga club Sporting CP, overseas reports suggest that Circati is poised to link with Sporting’s arch rivals Benfica in a deal reported to be worth more than $32m.

The Lisbon derby between Sporting and Benfica is one of world football’s most famous derbies, with the two clubs also part of Portugal’s “big three”, which also includes Porto.

Circati, 22, made 31 Serie A appearances for Parma last season and played every minute of the Socceroos’ four matches at the recent FIFA World Cup.

He had been linked with a move to Italian giants Juventus, with Zebras coach Luciano Spalletti having recently described Circati as a “promising player” who had shown “great qualities”.

“Of course he could be of interest to any club,” Spalletti said during Juventus’ recent pre-season tour of Perth.

Benfica has started the new Primeira Liga season with a win and draw from its two matches.

The Marco Silva-coached team is also close to clinching a berth in the UEFA Europa League, having reached the playoff round, where Danish club AGF awaits.

Originally published as Socceroos defender Alessandro Circati set for blockbuster $32m Benfica transfer