Benfica sell Nelson to Real Betis

Want-away defender joins Ricardo at La Liga club

Nelson has finally got his wish and made a move out of Benfica to join Real Betis. The deal has not been made official, but the full-back was spotted in Seville on Monday with his representatives, where he is to discuss personal terms, and all the signs point to an imminent announcement of the transfer.

The former Boavista defender is expected to sign a five-year deal, with an option for an additional year, while Benfica are set to receive 5.5m euros, while retaining 20% ownership of the player.

The right-back’s agent, Carlos Janela, confirmed that the deal is close to being done with minor details to be sorted out before the transfer can become official. “Nelson is happy. Everything is practically decided. Today it will become official. There are some things to be straightened out, but everything looks well taken care of.”

Grievances

The move comes as no surprise as Nelson has never hidden his disappointment at being the lowest paid member of the team. Despite the fact that Nelson had a 20m euro buyout clause in his contract, the player’s grievances and string of poor performances over the last two years have forced the Portuguese giants to pull the trigger on the deal.

The sale of the Cape Verdean born player has met the approval of coach Quique Flores as the Spaniard claimed that Nelson was becoming a distraction and felt it was best for all parties if he left the club.

The full-back’s exit leaves Benfica with only one right-back, Maxi Pereira. The funds the Lisbon outfit will receive from the deal will help finance the purchase of Nelson’s replacement.

Nelson will become the La Liga side’s second Portuguese player on the payroll, joining goalkeeper Ricardo, who left Sporting for the Andalusian side one year ago.