Talisca leads Benfica arrivals

SL Benfica have built for the coming UEFA Champions League campaign by making several signings including Brazilian Anderson Conceição 'Talisca'.

The 20-year-old midfielder joins from EC Bahia for an undisclosed fee reported to be €4m, with a contract until 2019. His arrival follows that of Switzerland Under-21 left-back Loris Benito, Brazilian central defender César and winger Daniel Candeias.

Talisca, whose nickname (similar to the English 'Beanpole') refers to his 190cm, 70kg frame, helped Brazil win the 2013 Toulon youth tournament. He said: "You can expect the best of me because I have come to make history at the club. I am delighted to be here and want to help Benfica win more trophies."

With Guilherme Siqueira's one-season loan over and Ezequiel Garay moving to FC Zenit, Benfica have added Benito, 22, from FC Zürich and César, 21, from AA Ponte Preta. Meanwhile, former Portugal and FC Porto youth player Candeias, 26, signs from CD Nacional.

"I have worked hard to get to Benfica and I hope it goes well for us," said Cadeias, whose new team start in the UEFA Champions League group stage but first play on 10 August in the Portuguese Super Cup in Aveiro against Rio Ave FC – whom they beat in last season's Portuguese Cup and League Cup finals.