Star Socceroo seals money-spinning move to Benfica

Young Socceroo Alessandro Circati has become the latest Australian international to be snapped up in a money-spinning European transfer, as he hailed his move from Parma to Benfica as a "privilege".

Following Lucas Herrington's move from the MLS to become Australia's only Premier League player at Hull City, and Nestory Irankunda joining Benfica's great rivals Sporting from Watford, Circati has been signed by the Portuguese giants for a reported 20 million euros ($33 million).

With Nishan Velupillay's move from Melbourne Victory to third-tier German club FC Ingolstadt 04 also completed on Wednesday, World Cup Socceroos are clearly the flavour of the month, with other reports linking top clubs with Norwich striker Mohamed Toure.

Circati's move from the Italian top-flight Serie A to Portugal's Primeira Liga has been in the pipeline for a while, with the 22-year-old having signed a five-year contract through to 2031 with the Lisbon-based double European champions.

"To all the Benfiquistas, yeah, I can't wait to play in front of you all, and win as many titles as we can. It's a huge honour. It's a privilege. I'm over the moon, couldn't be happier," enthused Circati in a message to the fans on the club's website.

"I think it's a reward for many years of hard work. I'm so happy to be here, and I can't wait to play for Benfica."

The Italian-born Circati will play at the world-famous Estadio da Luz - the Stadium of Light - and sounded just a little awe-struck as he added: "I can't wait. I've just had a look at it now. It's amazing, and I'm very, very excited to play."

Asked about adapting quickly to his move, he added: "I think I'm very adaptable. I think you can play me in either role of the centre-back, in a back-four or a back-three.

"I'm sure it's going to take a bit of time to adapt, but I'll try and make it as fast as possible with the help of my teammates and staff. But I'm sure I'll fit in just fine."

The lad who came through the ranks at Perth Glory and, after completing a trial with Parma in 2021, returned to his Italian roots to join them, has made swift and impressive progress in Serie A, last year being a standout for the northern club as they finished 12th.

Circati also played in all four of the Socceroos' World Cup matches, with 17 international appearances now under his belt and one goal to his name.

Parma paid tribute to his time at the club in a statement, saying: "Alessandro made a total of 96 appearances for Parma, including 37 in Serie A, scoring two goals and playing a key role not only in the club's 2023/24 Serie B title triumph but also in securing survival over the following two seasons.

"President Kyle J.