Alessandro Circati Completes Benfica Move on Five-Year Deal

Alessandro Circati has completed a transfer from Parma to Benfica, giving the Australia defender a new stage in Portugal's Primeira Liga. Australian Associated Press, in reporting published by The Guardian, said the 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract running through 2031. The fee was reported at €20 million, equivalent to about $33 million in the report, rather than confirmed by either club.

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Circati described the move as both an honour and a privilege in a message published on Benfica's website. He told supporters he was eager to play in front of them and compete for titles, adding that the transfer felt like a reward for years of work. He also expressed excitement after seeing Benfica's Estadio da Luz.

The centre-back said he expects to need some time to adjust, while stressing his ability to operate on either side of central defence. He said he can play in a back four or a back three and intends to settle quickly with help from Benfica's players and staff.

Circati's departure closes a significant chapter at Parma. According to the Italian club's statement, he made 96 appearances in all competitions, including 37 in Serie A, and scored twice. Parma also credited him with an important role in their 2023-24 Serie B title and in securing top-flight survival across the following two seasons.

Born in Italy, Circati developed in Perth Glory's youth system before trialling with Parma in 2021 and returning to his Italian roots. His club progress has been matched by a growing international role: the defender has 17 appearances and one goal for Australia, and he featured in all four of the Socceroos' matches at the World Cup.

The Benfica deal continues a busy post-World Cup period for Australian internationals. The same report listed nine other Socceroos who have changed clubs, including Nestory Irankunda's move to Benfica's Lisbon rivals Sporting and Nishan Velupillay's transfer from Melbourne Victory to FC Ingolstadt. Circati now joins a Benfica side with a prominent European history as he makes the next step in his career.