Report: Leeds and Manchester United rivalling European clubs in chase for Benfica prodigy

Add as preferred source on Google

ESPN have claimed that Leeds United are rivalling Manchester United and other European clubs ahead of the summer window for highly-rated Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis.

Luis, 20, is already a fully-fledged senior Benfica player having clocked up 29 league and cup appearances for the current Liga NOS leaders. Two of those 29 have come in this season’s Champions League, playing against Lyon home and away.

His breakthrough into the senior Benfica side has not gone unnoticed, though. Indeed, Luis has been eyed by Manchester United ahead of the summer window, with United using the Portuguese market repeatedly of late.

The likes of Fred, Bruno Fernandes and Diego Dalot have all moved to Old Trafford from Portugal in recent seasons. However, United are not alone in their pursuit of Luis – with Leeds, Bayer Leverkusen, Real Betis and AC Milan also keen.

Nicknamed ‘O Polvo’ or ‘The Octopus’ – for his ability to intercept in midfield – Florentino has a contract until the summer of 2024 but Benfica are open to letting him go on a loan-to-buy deal, as they have done with Gedson Fernandes.

TBR’s view – Which is Luis’ best move? Phillips replacement?

A move to Manchester United brings the glamour and the prestige of playing for one of the world’s biggest ever clubs. United are going in the right direction under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and he places faith in youth.

But would he get regular game time? No. Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic and others would be ahead of him in the pecking order and it is likely to be a similar story at Leverkusen, Betis and AC Milan.

A move to Leeds could see him prosper. Easily first choice in a Leeds side that could be in the Premier League next season, Florentino could even replace Kalvin Phillips if the uncapped English ace does eventually depart.