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Socceroos star Circati seals $33m transfer move to Portuguese giants

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Australian international Alessandro Circati has completed a reported 20 million euro ($33 million) transfer from Parma to Portuguese club Benfica.
  • The 22-year-old defender has signed a five-year contract with the Lisbon-based club.
  • Circati's move follows recent transfers of other Australian players, highlighting a trend of young talent moving to European leagues.

Young Socceroo Alessandro Circati has finalized a significant transfer, moving from Italian club Parma to Portuguese giants Benfica for a reported 20 million euros ($33 million). The 22-year-old defender has signed a five-year deal, keeping him at the Lisbon-based club until 2031.

To all the Benfiquistas, yeah, I can't wait to play in front of you all, and win as many titles as we can. It's a huge honour. It's a privilege. I'm over the moon, couldn't be happier.

— Alessandro CircatiExpressing his feelings about joining Benfica.

Circati's move to Benfica, one of Europe's most decorated clubs, marks a significant step in his career. He expressed his excitement and honor at joining the team, stating, "To all the Benfiquistas, yeah, I can't wait to play in front of you all, and win as many titles as we can. It's a huge honour. It's a privilege. I'm over the moon, couldn't be happier."

His transfer follows a pattern of recent moves by Australian international players to European leagues. Lucas Herrington has joined Hull City in the Premier League, and Nestory Irankunda has moved to Benfica's rivals, Sporting CP. Nishan Velupillay has also transferred from Melbourne Victory to German club FC Ingolstadt 04.

I think it's a reward for many years of hard work. I'm so happy to be here, and I can't wait to play for Benfica.

— Alessandro CircatiReflecting on his journey to joining the Portuguese club.

Circati, who was born in Italy, came through the ranks at Perth Glory before joining Parma. He made 96 appearances for Parma, including 37 in Serie A, and played a key role in their Serie B title win in the 2023/24 season. He has also earned 17 international caps for the Socceroos, scoring one goal.

I can't wait. I've just had a look at it now. It's amazing, and I'm very, very excited to play.

— Alessandro CircatiDescribing his anticipation of playing at Benfica's Estadio da Luz.

Describing himself as adaptable, Circati believes he can play in either center-back role, whether in a back-four or a back-three formation. He anticipates a period of adjustment but is confident he will integrate smoothly with the help of his new teammates and staff. The defender is eager to play at Benfica's renowned Estadio da Luz, calling it "amazing."

I think I'm very adaptable. I think you can play me in either role of the centre-back, in a back-four or a back-three. I'm sure it's going to take a bit of time to adapt, but I'll try and make it as fast as possible with the help of my teammates and staff. But I'm sure I'll fit in just fine.

— Alessandro CircatiDiscussing his adaptability and expectations for settling into the new team.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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