Benfica seal Derlei and Fernandes deals
Monday, January 29, 2007
Article summary
SL Benfica have made the former FC Porto striker Derlei their first January signing while agreeing a new long-term contract with midfielder Manuel Fernandes.
Article body
Loan star
The Lisbon giants' first addition of the transfer window is the 31-year-old Brazilian Derlei who has arrived on loan from FC Dinamo Moskva. The forward was a crucial part of the Porto side that won the 2002/03 UEFA Cup and the 2003/04 UEFA Champions League under José Mourinho. In a two-year spell in Russia from 2005, he scored 20 goals, but he was eager to return to his adopted homeland, having first played professional football with UD Leiria.
Everton deal
Meanwhile, the 20-year-old Manuel Fernandes has had his contract extended until 2011. Capped twice by Portugal, the youngster has made 67 appearances for Benfica, although he will not enhance that tally this season as English club Everton FC have reportedly secured his services on a six-month loan. Manuel Fernandes spent the first half of the campaign with Everton's Premiership rivals Portsmouth FC. Benfica take on FC Dinamo 1948 Bucuresti in the UEFA Cup Round of 32 next month.
