Done Deal

After defending Benfica for 3 seasons, Nelson and Benfica have parted ways.
The right back reached an agreement with Spain's Betis for the next 5 years + 1 of option for 5.5m Euros. Benfica puts 5m in their coffers and keeps 20% of a future deal involving Nelson.
Nelson arrived at Benfica in the 05/06 season and showed great promise in his first season. In the 3 years that Nelson was at Benfica he had 107 appearances and scored 2 goals. At 25 years old, Nelson has considerable talent, but his inability to perform on a consistent level, put him on the expendable list.
Let's be realistic here, Nelson is a good player but Benfica could have very well have kept him if they wanted to. It's too early to tell whether this is a good deal for Benfica or not, aside from the money, Nelson's replacement will be the determining factor on whether Benfica made a good deal or not. Let's hope that Benfica can secure a quality right back in time.
There's some talk about Joao Pereira, but with Braga's and porto's relations being so tight at this time, I very much doubt Braga would let Joao Pereira out of his contract. Not to mention that he has already participated in UEFA cup qualifiers , which would make him ineligible to play for Benfica in that competition, if i'm not mistaken.

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