Benfica complete Hassan Yebda capture.
Bids rejected from England, Germany & Italy to join Eagles.
Hassan Yebda and Rui Costa
Hassan Yebda has signed a deal with Benfica which will see the midfielder at the Lisbon club for the next four years. The former Le Mans player joins the Eagles on a free transfer as his deal with the Ligue 1 outfit had expired.
The Algerian becomes Benfica’s second signing, after Ruben Amorim, and is excited to get a new start with the Portuguese giants. “I am very happy to be here,” said the radiant defensive midfielder.
“This is a club with a huge history and with many titles won. It’s an honour to play for Benfica. It’s true that we were negotiating for some weeks. There were many other clubs who wanted me from England, Germany and Italy, but I decided to play for Benfica because their project impressed me greatly.
“I have to thank Rui Costa, the coach and the president who have welcomed me warmly,” added the 24-year-old.
With the addition of Yebda, questions will be asked as to the future of current midfielder Katsouranis. The Greek international, who is preparing for Euro 2008 with Greece, has stated that has been looking to leave the club ever since his animated altercation with central defender Luisao back in January.
However, Benfica’s director of football, Rui Costa, made it clear that Yebda was not brought in as Katsouranis’ substitution, but rather to boost the current set of players that make up the squad.
Benfica complete Hassan Yebda capture || Portuguese football/soccer