The Portuguese top flight has often been a rich source of talent over the past ten years, and despite the country’s poor showing at the World Cup this summer there is possibly more interest in the league’s players than ever before.
Coming from the ‘big three’ of Benfica, Sporting Lisbon and Porto, we are examining the players currently being linked with summer moves to the Premier League.
Benfica:
Oscar Cardozo – West Ham, Leicester City
The Paraguayan international has been long linked with a switch to England. However, where he was once tipped to join the likes of Liverpool he is now being considered by the likes of West Ham and Leicester now that he’s crept over 30.
Nico Gaitan – Liverpool, Manchester United
Both Liverpool and Manchester United have thrown their respective hats into the ring for the Argentine playmaker as they look to add more quality to the midfield area. Gaitan is now undoubtedly the most valuable player the Portuguese champions have on their books now.
Maxi Pereria – Liverpool
Pereira is a consistent performer for club and county, though he let himself down at the World Cup this summer by getting sent off in the first game against Costa Rica. However, The Reds are still interested as Brendan Rodgers has cast his rod out for a replacement to Glenn Johnson.
Joao Cancelo – Chelsea, Liverpool
Both Chelsea and Liverpool have cast their eye over the young defender. Having recently made his way into the Benfica first team last season he is being tipped for a big future in the game. The versatile full-back, who can play on both sides of defence, is attracting interest from the Premier League’s top three teams, who are all considering making a move for him this summer.
Enzo Perez – Manchester United
United had run the rule over the Argentine star as they look to make some shrewd additions to their midfield area. Perez would bring a dynamism to the engine room that they currently lack, though he is reluctant to leave the club.