Benfica
Mid-Season Transfers
In:
GK Bruno Vale The young very promising goalkeeper signed from Porto for €1.2 million Euros plus out of favour stopper Quim. Even though both teams are rivals, they each saw benefits from the transfer as neither held down a first team place at their former clubs.
CB David Rozehnal
Seen above expressing his transfer to the media, the highley rated Czech defender was wanted by many top European clubs such as VFB Stuttgart and Feyenoord but it was Benfica who won the race for his signature. Obviously he is not as good as Vincent Kompany but he is a lot cheaper at €4.1 million Euros.
RB Loukas Vintra
Joining Benfica from Panathanaikos along with teammate Ezequiel Gonzalez, he cost in a part exchange €1.5 million Euros plus Tiago Gomes. Initially he was a central defender but Loukas Vintra moved to the right when Giourkas Seitaridis left Panathinaikos FC for FC Porto who is now at Dynamo Moscow. A Greek Under-21 international, he was part of the squad that played on home soil in the 2004 Olympic Games.
DM Tiberiu Ghioane
This Romanian is very much a versatile player as he can play anywhere along midfield or defence. He would be a very useful player at Benfica although it could unfortunately be the reason if he's a regular on the bench. Tiberiu came from Dynamo Kiev for €4.3 million Euros.
LM Alberto Riera
This Spaniard's previous clubs include Bordeaux, as seen in photo above, and Real Mallorca but not getting much success. He is a very gifted midfielder who posses start like shooting and crossing skills and he is not afraid to dribble. The introduction of Riera may alter the Benfica formation a little but he cost them €6.5 million Euros.
OM Ezequiel Gonzalez
After expressing his lust for moving to Benfica, he finally got his wish when he signed for €6.9 million Euros. The Argentinian playmaker Ezequiel González is a gifted attacking force with two good feet, and is a leader on the field and would definately hold a first team place. A product of hometown club CA Rosario Central, the teenage González made his debut in the 1997/98 season, quickly becoming a favourite with the fans before moving to AC Fiorentina in 2001. Although Panathanaikos were not much of a success, big things are expected of him at the Estadio De Luz.
WG Neri Alberto Castillo
A skilful striker who relishes showcasing his considerable dribbling skills, Nery Alberto Castillo left his native Uruguay for Greece aged 16 to further his career although Castillo was set to sign for Manchester United FC when he left Uruguay, but saw his hopes scuppered by work permit problems. He cost Benfica €7 million Euros.
Total Spent: €33.5 million Euros but with some players sold, it evens up the expenses.
Out:
GK Quim - Exchange for Bruno Vale (Porto)
GK Yannick - €1.6 million Euros (Troyes)
CB Amoreirinha - €2.2 million Euros (Vitoria Setubal)
LB Tiago Gomes - Exchange for Vintra (Panathanaikos)
DM Paulo Almeida - €4.6 million Euros (Dinamo Kiev)
RM Nuno Assis - €3.2 million Euros (Standard Liege)
RM Carlitos - €4.5 million Euros (AEK Athens)