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Tuesday, 06 July 2010 13:56

Almeida keen on Benfica switch

Striker looking to return home

Almeida-Feb10.jpgWerder Bremen's Hugo Almeida wants to return to Portugal and Benfica may be the club to allow the burly striker to do just that.

It has been reported that the Lisbon club are interested in bringing the 26-year-old to the Estadio da Luz and word has caught the ear of the Portuguese international.

Almeida, who has one year remaining on his deal with the Bundesliga outfit, has had his interest perked by the news and has admitted that he would not shun a move to the current domestic champions.

"I have one year left on my contract and if I don't leave this season, next year I will be free. Clearly, I want to return to Portugal, but only to one of the big three," said Almeida. "I am very happy to know that Benfica are interested. I am good at Werder Bremen, but Benfica is a big club.

"Everyone recognises Benfica and they are a team that is on the rise. They were champions last season and now will participate in the Champions League."

by Marco Pereira

Comments (15)
Bring more talent home
15 Wednesday, 07 July 2010 19:32
Mdot
Some of you guys are nuts in saying that he should go to another league. I would rather see more of our talent come back home so that our Liga becomes stronger. The better our teams become the more assets they can dedicate to their youth systems to produce better Portuguese players in the long run.
Stay Abroad!
14 Wednesday, 07 July 2010 16:54
torpiano, uk
For the sake of the seleccao I would rather see him stay abroad and challenge himself in a different league or another club in the Bundesliga.

His career to date has been blighted by not having season where he has played conistently in the first team every week and he needs to find a club in a big league where he can fulfil that, even if its at a smaller club than Werder Bremen.
England
13 Wednesday, 07 July 2010 14:37
Edgar USA
Though it would be great to see one of our internationals playing in our league again, Almeida is Taylor made for the English game. There he would learn how to make better use of his size and touch and be able to bring more to the seleção.
All the best to you Almeida.
12 Wednesday, 07 July 2010 05:11
south-east asia
I feel happy for Almeida to make this decision for his own sake. Werder Bremen isnt good for him no more. This guy just need a nice assist like Fabio Coentrao(hope he will make a good decision whether to play abroad or not). Also Almeida just need a sense of Rooney style of shooting.He's a better shooter,really powerful kick. Hope,he can use his ability to the fullest. Forca~~
almeida
11 Wednesday, 07 July 2010 04:46
Kevin / USA
he's just another cardozo but better with the ball at his feet. Plus, he's PORTUGUESE not south american. As a Benfica fan, I welcome the move.
Sporting
10 Wednesday, 07 July 2010 03:58
Jose/Mexico
He should go to Braga. They are in the Champions League and he would help them smash benfica with an incredible attacking football.
goood move
9 Wednesday, 07 July 2010 01:48
Nathan/USA
Wherever he can excel, I'm fine with that. In a way I would like to see him stay in the Bundesliga because it gives him a chance to compete in a very physical league. However, as long as he gets plenty of playing time and develops as a striker, I'm ok with it.

We need him to develop his talent for Euro 2012. Qualifying starts in two months!
Great signing...
8 Wednesday, 07 July 2010 01:24
kenny / RI
This would be a great signing for Benfica. I just hope Cardozo stays as well and Benfica can play a more 4-3-3 attack next yr and use Cardozo and Almeida on the outside and Saviola in the middle. Talk about goals galore!!!!
Great Striker
7 Wednesday, 07 July 2010 00:28
Mikey/Toronto
I used to think Almeida was a terrible striker but his performances in the world cup have changed my opinion. He has a great touch, strong shot, and is good in the air. I think that he needed more playing time in Germany. This would be a great signing for Benfica, and especially the seleccao if Benfica can give Hugo some steady playing time. We might see another Makakula like renaissance man here.
Almeida
6 Tuesday, 06 July 2010 22:51
bryan/bermuda
it would be nice to see anotha pudagee at benfica plus i think he is strong and has a good height he will only help benfica so why not all we need is simao and the team will be perfect :) too bad airton got injured
Almeida
5 Tuesday, 06 July 2010 21:43
jon/usa
Hugo Almeida didn't exactly play in every game for bremen, but he definitely was an important player. He always played well when he got his playing time and he should be able to show us what he is worth with cardozo's spot. Cardozo scored many goals and was very important to us, but I think Almeida has the size of cardozo, but more speed and a better touch. I also would love to see Simao return because we could use another winger, especially if ramires leaves.
moutinho?
4 Tuesday, 06 July 2010 21:14
Chris/DC
what team did he play for?

I like Almeida, but he's kind of like a bigger Nuno Gomes to me. It takes him 5 shots to make a goal. He does bring the same size as Cardozo tho so i guess that's good. If somehow Benfica could convince Huntelaar to come THAT would be a great signing. He probably thinks he's too good to play in Portugal tho.
Hope you're right
3 Tuesday, 06 July 2010 18:16
E Gomes / NJ
I would love to have Almeida at Benfica. He would bring something different, especially if Cardozo is gone.
Bring him home Rui!
2 Tuesday, 06 July 2010 17:05
Mateus Medeiros
If this happens, I would go and buy his jersey immediately! I like how he shows no "I'm too good" attitude for Portugal. Unlike Quaresma. I hope it materiazes. Damn Portugoal getting my hopes up! You better be right on this one Marco.
Portuguese Talent Coming Home
1 Tuesday, 06 July 2010 15:34
Mdot
It’s great to see successful players like Rui Costa or Maniche returning to Portugal but its even better to see younger talent choosing to stay in our Liga or come back from abroad like Moutinho and Almeida. I hope this does happen as Cardozo looks to be on his way out and it would be great to get another Portuguese star on our teams.

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