BENFICA have signed midfielder Julian Weigl from Borussia Dortmund for £20million.
The 24-year-old was being tracked by Manchester City in the summer as Pep Guardiola searched for potential Fernandinho replacements.
Benfica have signed midfielder Julian Weigl from Borussia Dortmund
Guardiola opted for Rodri from Atletico Madrid in a £62.5million deal as Weigl went on to make 20 appearances in all competitions for Dortmund.
Despite interest elsewhere in Europe, Portuguese giants Benfica have won the race to the holding midfielder.
It came after Weigl requested to leave Dortmund.
Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorcsaid: “Julian came to us with this wish and we agreed – also because of his services to the club.
“We wish him all the best for his future.”
It comes after the German champions piped Manchester United to the signing of wonderkid Erling Haaland.
The 19-year-old will join for £18million after the Germans hit his release clause while he will bank about £130,000-a-week in wages.
Dortmund confirmed the deal and a contract to 2024 with a Twitter clip, featuring the player putting pen to paper and posing with the famous yellow shirt.
Haaland’s decision is a blow for United and other major clubs such as Juventus who were hoping to land the Norwegian youngster during the transfer window.
The son of former Leeds star Alfe-Inge, he met Old Gunnar Solskjaer but he has decided to move to Dortmund and will officially transfer once when January market opens.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
