Ruben Semedo joining Benfica would ensure Ferro can depart

Benfica maintain a firm interest in recruiting Olympiakos centreback Ruben Semedo, and are expected to complete a move for the Portugal U21 international in the near future.

His arrival, however, is expected to allow for the departure of Benfica defender Ferro, who for the past two seasons has been a regular for the Lisbon club, partnering Ruben Dias in the heart of defence.

The 23-year old was an integral part of the team during Bruno Lage's reign at the club, having played a huge 58 games for Benfica’s senior team over the last two campaign as he became an integral part of the first team.

There were even moments where Ferro looked to be the strongest in the Dias-Ferro partnership, his defensive intuition and tackling regularly on show.

However, despite impressing for long spells, his stock at the club slowly dropped with some unconvincing performances which coincided with a dramatic collapse in Benfica’s league standing and performances - though playing through small injury knocks and fatigue, a drop in form was far from surprising for the former Portugal U21 international.

With Jardel still in the team, added to the expected starting duo of Ruben Dias and Jan Vertonghen alongside the arrival of Ruben Semedo, there simply is not room for Ferro in the team, with a loan move and transfer both possible options for the player.