Fulham’s valuation of Jorge Cuenca appears to have brought Benfica’s interest to a halt. This comes despite suggestions earlier this week that the Portuguese club were moving closer to a deal.
Reports from Portugal had indicated Benfica viewed the defender as a priority target. They also stated that only a small gap remained between the clubs’ respective valuations.
A Bola now presents a very different picture. They claim the move is unlikely to happen and that Benfica have already started focusing on alternative options.
The latest report states that while Cuenca’s profile appealed to incoming Benfica manager Marco Silva, the financial reality of any deal has proved a major obstacle.
Fulham valuation changes the picture
According to A Bola, the London club are said to value Cuenca at around €20m (£17m). This is a figure Benfica currently consider too high. As a result, the Portuguese side are not expected to pursue the transfer further.
That is a significant shift from reports earlier this week which suggested a deal could be completed for a fee slightly above €10m (£8.5m).
Benfica’s plan is to sign two centre-backs this summer following Nicolás Otamendi’s departure to River Plate at the end of his contract.
The Portuguese side want one experienced defender capable of becoming the leader of the back line and another younger option with room for development alongside Tomás Araújo and António Silva.
Cuenca had been viewed as a candidate for the first role.
Benfica look elsewhere
The newspaper explains Silva appreciated the Spaniard’s qualities after working with him at Fulham over the last two seasons. His left-footed profile and ability to build from the back were seen as attractive attributes for Benfica’s defensive rebuild.
However, that admiration has not translated into concrete negotiations. A Bola report Benfica have not even opened talks with Fulham because of the financial demands involved. Brighton’s Olivier Boscagli is reportedly another name on their shortlist.
In the end, the latest information suggests the gap between the clubs is far wider than initially believed.
