Yuri Ribeiro on track for Nottingham as he posts goodbye message
Benfica left back Yuri Ribeiro is closing in on a move to Nottingham Forest - and has even said goodbye to his Benfica colleagues.
The 22-year old, who has represented his country at U21 level, played as backup to Alex Grimaldo last season, and therefore struggled significantly for game time.
Indeed, across all competitions, he only played for Benfica 7 times, none of those appearances coming in the league.
And now his time at the club is coming to another end. On social media, Ribeiro said: “I arrived at the age of 15, with the dream of one day representing the senior team. That was achieved.”
“They were years of great professional and personal growth. Directors, coaches, doctors, physios, staff, fans and mainly the players, with whom I had the pleasure to share my everyday life and the privilege to makes great friends, it was not an easy season but it helped me grow for the future.”
“I arrived as a kid, but I leave as a man. Thank you very much, Benfica.”
While his time at Benfica was largely unsuccessful, he did have a very successful loan spell at Rio Ave the season before, playing in 29 games across all competitions as he impressed with his attacking endeavour, willing to get forwards with his dribbling prowess at many given opportunities and play some crucial passes to his teammates in the attacking third of the pitch.
His major weakness during his spell at Benfica, though, came defensively, with Ribeiro failing to impress with his tackling ability.
Benfica are therefore prepared to let the Portuguese left back leave - permanently.
Indeed, Ribeiro’s move to Nottingham Forest is, if all goes to plan, expected to be permanent, where Benfica will then keep hold of 50% of any of his future sale price.
Famalicao have been very interested in bringing in the 22-year old left back, but it is English outfit Nottingham Forest that are in pole position.
Ribeiro will be the fifth Portuguese player to move to Nottingham Forest, with Tobias Figueiredo, Joao Carvalho and Tiago Silva already at the club, while Alfa Semedo is also going to join the club (expected to be on loan) in the coming days.
