According to Brazilian broadcaster Band, Benfica has contacted the representatives of 23-year-old center back João Victor about a move to the Lisbon club during the winter transfer window, which opens in the next couple of weeks.

Benfica has yet to make a formal offer to his current club Corinthians, but this is said to be happening over the coming days. Corinthians owns 55% of the player’s rights and has Victor signed until the end of the 2023 season.

Benfica’s previous links to the player have the eagles looking for a loan move in January that would include a mandatory option to make the move permanent at the season’s conclusion. Any permanent move for João Victor could cost Benfica between €10M to €12M for barely over 50% of the player’s rights.

This season, Victor appeared in 36 league games for the 5th placed São Paulo side but did not record a goal or an assist.

Benfica has been linked to a host of center backs since losing regular starter Lucas Verissimo for the season, but the club is strictly looking for loan moves with any of the center backs that may join the club in January.

The encarndaos have also been linked to center backs Samuel Umtiti of Barcelona and Ruben Semedo of Olympiacos during the same span as Jorge Jesus looks set to shy away from youngsters Morato and Tiago Araujo who he has given some playing time since Verissimo’s absence.

Do you think Victor would be a positive signing for Benfica in January?