Marseille Target Benfica Star Florentino Luis In Summer Loan Move

Olympique Marseille want to sign Florentino Luis from Benfica. They have offered a loan deal with the obligation to buy him at the end of the season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The French club have started talks with Benfica for Florentino Luis. They want a loan deal with an obligation to buy the 24-year-old midfielder permanently next summer. However, Benfica have rejected the offer so far. Marin Leonardi, Marseille‘s sporting director, also held discussions over Dani Ceballos, who has become a priority target for the French side after they made Adrien Rabiot available for transfer.

BENFICA AND FLORENTINO LUIS: RECENT FORM

Florentino Luis has become a key player under Bruno Lage. The 24-year-old has made 43 appearances across all competitions for three consecutive campaigns under and gained more importance since the Portuguese coach took over. A Portuguese international, Luis is one of the best defensive midfielders in the country. Notably, he has made more recoveries than any player in Primeira Liga since the 2022/23 season. His performance has been pivotal in Benfica’s aims to compete at high levels, as they strive for title success in both the domestic league and the UEFA Champions League this season.

IMPLICATIONS FOR MARSEILLE AND UPCOMING FIXTURES

The Ligue 1 side desperately need a central midfielder before the transfer window slams shut as Rabiot has been put up for sale and will likely leave the team before the closing of the window.

WHAT NEXT?

Negotiations between Marseille and Benfica are ongoing over the possible transfer of Florentino Luis. The midfielder’s future depends on the outcome of those talks and the development of Real Madrid’s interest in his services.