Santos Nears Deal for Benfica’s Benjamin Rolheiser in Strategic Transfer Move
Santos has taken a significant step forward in negotiations with Benfica, closing in on the signing of Argentine midfielder Benjamin Rolheiser. The Portuguese club has accepted a structured proposal from Santos, which includes an initial payment of €6 million, with an additional €1.5 million per 20 games played, potentially reaching a total investment of €12.5 million. the deal now hinges on finalizing wage adn bonus agreements with the player.
This move marks a strategic shift for Santos, as funds originally allocated for other targets, such as Eliasson and Ron, have been redirected to secure rolheiser. The Brazilian club’s interest in the 24-year-old is not new. Last year, former director Alexandre Gallo attempted to bring him to Santos, but Benfica refused to release the player, who had been signed from Estudiantes for €9.5 million in January 2024.
Despite his versatility—capable of playing as a forward,midfielder,or winger—Rolheiser has struggled to cement his place in Benfica’s star-studded lineup,which includes talents like Aursnes,Kökcü,and Ángel di María. Initially seen as a potential successor to Di María, Rolheiser’s lack of consistent playing time has prompted Benfica to reconsider his role.
The Portuguese club has opted for a definitive sale rather than a loan, rejecting earlier offers from Botafogo. Santos will acquire a percentage of Rolheiser’s economic rights, while Benfica retains a stake, banking on the player’s future thankfulness.
Rolheiser has already sought insights about Santos from his close freind and right-back Léo Godoy, signaling his readiness for the transition.
Key Details of the Transfer
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| initial Payment | €6 million |
| Performance Bonuses | €1.5 million per 20 games, up to €6.5 million |
| Total Investment | Up to €12.5 million |
| Player’s Age | 24 |
| Previous Club | Estudiantes (signed by Benfica for €9.5 million in January 2024) |
| Benfica’s Retained Stake | Partial economic rights retained for future appreciation |
This transfer could prove pivotal for both Santos and Rolheiser, offering the Argentine a fresh start and the Brazilian club a dynamic addition to their squad.
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Santos Nears Deal for Benfica’s Benjamin Rolheiser: A strategic Transfer Move
In a significant development for Brazilian football,Santos is closing in on the signing of Argentine midfielder Benjamin Rolheiser from Benfica. The deal, structured with an initial payment of €6 million and performance bonuses of up to €6.5 million, could see the total investment reach €12.5 million. This move marks a strategic pivot for Santos, who have redirected funds originally earmarked for other targets. We sat down with football expert Diego Alvarez to break down the intricacies of this high-profile transfer.
The Structure of the deal
Editor: Diego, can you walk us through the financial details of this transfer and why it’s considered strategic for Santos?
Diego Alvarez: Absolutely. The deal is structured in a way that minimizes upfront risk for Santos. They’re paying an initial €6 million, with additional performance-based bonuses of €1.5 million for every 20 games Rolheiser plays,potentially totaling €12.5 million. This incentivizes both parties—Rolheiser to perform consistently and Santos to ensure he’s integrated effectively into the squad. It’s a smart move, especially given the club’s limited budget and the need to maximize their investment.
Rolheiser’s Potential and Fit at Santos
Editor: Rolheiser is a versatile player, but he struggled to secure a consistent spot at Benfica. What can he bring to Santos, and why do you think this move could reignite his career?
Diego Alvarez: Rolheiser is a player with immense potential. He’s versatile—able to play as a forward, midfielder, or winger—wich makes him a valuable asset for any team. At Benfica, he was up against heavy competition, including players like Di María and Kökcü, which limited his opportunities. At Santos, he’ll likely have more playing time and a chance to prove himself. The Brazilian league’s style of play, which emphasizes creativity and flair, could be a perfect match for his skill set. He’s already sought advice from his close friend Léo Godoy, who plays for santos, which shows he’s mentally prepared for this transition.
Benfica’s Strategy and Future Considerations
editor: Benfica opted for a definitive sale rather than a loan and retained a stake in Rolheiser’s economic rights. What does this tell us about their strategy?
Diego Alvarez: Benfica’s decision to sell outright, rather than loan him out, indicates they’re looking to balance their books while still hedging their bets on Rolheiser’s future. By retaining a percentage of his economic rights,they’re positioning themselves to benefit if Rolheiser’s value appreciates down the line. This is a common strategy in European football, especially with younger players who have high potential. It’s also worth noting that Benfica rejec
