Javier Balboa Until 2012

Portuguese media reports that, Real Madrid's "Cantera" product Javier Balboa, is in Lisbon to finalize an agreement with Benfica.
The 23 year old winger can play both on the left or the right and would be the midfield piece Benfica has been missing on the right side.

Balboa reached Real's first team in 07/08 when he was part of Real's pre-season squad, he was then put on the loan list by Fabio Capello, and played the rest of the year at Racing Santander on a loan. After his loan expired Balboa was part of Schuster's 07/08 squad and was even praised by Schuster, which earned him a contract extension until 2011. Last season Javier Balboa had 7 appearances for the Spanish giants netting 1 goal in the process.

Balboa was born in Madrid to Equatorial Guinean(former Spanish colony) parents, and has chosen to play for his parent's nation instead of Spain.


**EDIT**

Balboa was officially introduced tonight at Estadio da Luz. Javier Balboa cost Benfica 4 million euros and signed a contract valid for 4 years, with a 20 million euros rescision clause.
Balboa is Benfica's 3rd signing for the 08/09 season.

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