Young Australian international Alessandro Circati has secured a major career move to Portuguese giants Benfica, signing a five-year contract worth a reported 20 million euros, approximately 33 million dollars, from Italian Serie A side Parma. The 22-year-old defender becomes the latest Socceroo to complete a significant European transfer following Australia’s recent World Cup campaign, joining the Lisbon-based double European champions through to 2031.
Circati expressed genuine excitement about his move to the iconic Estadio da Luz, telling supporters he was over the moon with the opportunity. The Italian-born defender described representing Benfica as both a privilege and a reward for many years of hard work, promising fans he would strive to win as many titles as possible at the famous Stadium of Light.
The transfer forms part of a broader trend seeing Australian internationals attracting substantial European interest. Lucas Herrington recently moved from MLS to become Australia’s only Premier League player at Hull City, while Nestory Irankunda joined Benfica’s great rivals Sporting from Watford. Additionally, Nishan Velupillay completed a move from Melbourne Victory to German third-tier club FC Ingolstadt 04, with Norwich striker Mohamed Toure also reportedly drawing attention from top European clubs.
Circati emphasized his versatility and adaptability, noting he can play either centre-back role in a back-four or back-three formation. While acknowledging the adjustment period ahead, the young defender expressed confidence in quickly adapting to his new surroundings with support from his new teammates at one of Europe’s most storied football clubs.
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