Benfica snap up Jose Antonio Reyes

Ex Arsenal and Real Madrid star signs one-year contract

Former Arsenal and Real Madrid star Jose Antonio Reyes will today be presented at the Estadio da Luz as Benfica’s latest reinforcement.

The left-sided midfielder is to sign a one-season loan deal from Atletico Madrid. The Spanish international becomes Benfica’s ninth new acquisition this close season, and accentuates the trend of Spaniards arriving at the Lisbon club following the appointment of Spanish coach Quique Flores.

A few short years ago Reyes was considered one of the brightest talents in Spanish football after making his name at Sevilla. His energetic and skilful attacking play earned him a big money move to Arsenal before returning to Spain to Real Madrid in 2006.

He achieved a modicum of success at the Bernabeu, but failed to make himself an undisputed starter. As a result he moved to city rivals Atletico Madrid in a 12m euro move last season.

But Reyes made only 22 appearances as Portuguese winger Simao Sabrosa was ahead of him in the pecking order, and his situation was not helped by a fractious relationship with coach Javier Aguirre.

Reyes will now look to get his career back on track at Benfica and recapture the form that made him one of the game’s hottest properties.

Profile:
Name: Jose Antonio Reyes Calderon
Born: Utrera (Spain)
Date of Birth: 01/09/83 (24 years old)
Position: Left midfielder/winger

Clubs:
Sevilla (95 matches, 25 goals)
Arsenal (110, 23)
Real Madrid (36, 7)
Atletico Madrid (22, 0)