Benfica complete Hassan Yebda capture

Bids rejected from England, Germany & Italy to join Eagles

Hassan Yebda has signed a deal with Benfica which will see the midfielder at the Lisbon club for the next four years. The former Le Mans player joins the Eagles on a free transfer as his deal with the Ligue 1 outfit had expired.

The Algerian becomes Benfica’s second signing, after Ruben Amorim, and is excited to get a new start with the Portuguese giants. “I am very happy to be here,” said the radiant defensive midfielder.

“This is a club with a huge history and with many titles won. It’s an honour to play for Benfica. It’s true that we were negotiating for some weeks. There were many other clubs who wanted me from England, Germany and Italy, but I decided to play for Benfica because their project impressed me greatly.

“I have to thank Rui Costa, the coach and the president who have welcomed me warmly,” added the 24-year-old.

With the addition of Yebda, questions will be asked as to the future of current midfielder Katsouranis. The Greek international, who is preparing for Euro 2008 with Greece, has stated that has been looking to leave the club ever since his animated altercation with central defender Luisao back in January.

However, Benfica’s director of football, Rui Costa, made it clear that Yebda was not brought in as Katsouranis’ substitution, but rather to boost the current set of players that make up the squad.

Rodriguez backtracks

In other club news, Cristian Rodriguez has cleared the air after last week saying he would be happy if FC Porto signed him.

The winger’s comments took Benfica fans by surprise as the player was embraced by the club’s supporters in his successful debut season for the Eagles on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

“Any player would be happy to have a big club interested in his services. I do not understand the confusion when all I said was that I would be flattered if FC Porto were interested,” said a perplexed Rodriguez.

“Anyway, I believe that my option in Portugal is to play with Benfica because I do not see myself with any other club here. I would have preferred to have everything decided by now.

“I am very grateful for all the support and confidence that Benfica have shown me throughout the year. I like it very much at Benfica, just as my family do,” added the Uruguayan.

Butt set to return to Germany

Moving in the other direction is goalkeeper Hans-Jorg Butt. The German international joined the Eagles last summer, but has been used very sparingly since his arrival, making most of his appearances in the Carlsberg Cup.

Hot on his heels are none other than Bavarian behemoths Bayern Munich. The German champions have made their interest public through director of football, Uli Hoeness, as they look for a replacement for the now retired Oliver Khan.

Butt, who turns 34 years old this year, might jump at the chance to play for the historic German club after playing back-up to Portuguese international Quim this season.