Italian club Lazio are reportedly close to securing the services of Benfica defender Jardel for €6.5 million plus bonuses. The 30-year-old Brazilian only recently extended his contract to June 2020.
Jardel was signed by Benfica from SC Olhanense in 2011 for €500,000 replacing Chelsea-bound David Luiz. Back then the Olhão-based club only received a small proportion of the transfer fee as Jardel’s sports rights (third party ownership) were held by Brazilian company Traffic Sports Marketing.
A 10% sell clause in the contract between Olhanense and Benfica could now reap significant rewards. According to the Italian press, Lazio have offered €6.5 million plus €1 million in performance-related bonuses. This takes them to the €7.5 million Benfica asking price.
Personal terms are also close to agreement for a four-year contract worth €1.5 million per season. Centre-back Jardel last season made 44 appearances for the Eagles in all competition, scoring five goals with five assists.
Photo: Jardel (far right) with Olhanense fans at his farewell dinner in 2011
