Updated: January 5, 2024 at 6:35 a.m., published: January 3, 2024 at 3:01 p.m.
After Endrick (17 years old; from the summer Real Madrid) and Vitor Roque (18 years old; Barcelona), Marcos Leonardo, the third great Brazilian striker, has chosen a new club. After the highly controversial relegation of traditional club FC Santos, the 20-year-old joined Benfica Lisbon under coach Roger Schmidt. The Portuguese have confirmed the move and transfer details.
Santos striker Marcos Leonardo’s goals and highlights
Marcelo Teixeira, president of the São Paulo state club, posted a photo on Instagram on Thursday afternoon showing him exchanging jerseys with Benfica sporting director Rui Pedro Braz. The club boss wrote that he received the Lisbon manager on Tuesday afternoon and then spoke on the phone with his counterpart Rui Costa, « who made an offer for our striker Marcos Leonardo ».
The offer satisfied Teixeira: according to the club, a transfer fee of 18 million euros is due for the most valuable player after Endrick (40 million), still active in Brazil. Santos receives a 10 percent share of profits from a potential resale. Marcos Leonardo also has a €150 million exit clause in his contract, valid until June 2029.
Neymar 3x in the top 5: The most expensive Brazilians in (Site notre bureau spécialisé) history
22 Vinicius Junior | 2018/19 from Flamengo to Real | Transfer fee 45 million euros
In Santos’ history, four departures have cost more so far: Neymar (88 million), Rodrygo (45 million), Gabigol (29.5 million) and Robinho (24 million). At Benfica, Marcos Leonardo is tied with Pedrinho in ninth place. Team Schmidt has lacked a very precise center forward so far this season. Rafa (30) and Ángel Di María (35) are the top scorers with nine competitive goals each, but neither usually plays on the nine. Petar Musa (25), Arthur Cabral (25) and the currently injured Casper Tengstedt (23) scored five, four and three goals respectively – none of the players scored consistently during the season .
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