Overview
- Multiple outlets reported on Tuesday that Benfica and Parma agreed a transfer for Alessandro Circati with personal terms already in place and no formal Benfica announcement at that time.
- Football Italia published a later update saying the deal is complete with Parma receiving €18m plus up to €2m in add-ons and Circati signing a contract to June 2031 after passing medical checks.
- Circati is a 22-year-old Australia international who rose through Perth Glory’s youth ranks, rebuilt his career after an ACL injury and played every minute for the Socceroos at this summer’s World Cup.
- Juventus and AC Milan were previously linked to the defender but Benfica moved quickly to secure the player, illustrating how World Cup exposure accelerated interest and negotiations.
- The reported fee would rank among the highest ever for an Australian export, underlining a recent trend of Socceroos attracting big European moves and making Portugal a key destination for rising Australian talent.