Lazar Markovic, now with Hull City, reportedly could not convince Benfica he deserved a comeback to the club at the start of this season.
According to A Bola today, the Eagles considered to sign the player on loan from Liverpool last summer, but decided not to make any approach due to concerns with his technical and physical form.
Markovic had the best season of his career playing for Benfica in 2014/15. His success there meant a €25m transfer to Liverpool, but after failing to impress at Anfield, he was sent on loan to Fenerbahce, where he spent last season. Then he returned to the Reds, who found him another loan.
The fact that Benfica gave up on the signing is the kind information which can be obviously used by them to mock Sporting, since their Lisbon rivals were the ones who brought him in last summer.
Markovic may now be having a better spell at Hull City, but his half-season in Portugal was quite disappointing. Both because the local press got used to the great form he’s shown there before, and the reunion with Jorge Jesus also created some expectation. But in 14 matches, he only scored two goals and never showed he deserved more chances. That’s why he left so early to join Hull City.
The Serbian winger has a contract with Liverpool until 2019, but given the level he’s been showing recently, it’s very likely the club will find a solution to sell him soon.
Hull City has every chance of becoming a more long term home for Markovic, especially if Marco Silva can get some prolonged form out of the player.
