Leandro Cabrera continues to be one of the protagonists in the Portuguese press, overshadowed this week by the start of the Champions League final phase. The local media have published in their edition that Benfica will only offer eight million for the Uruguayan central defender and that he is convinced that time is working in his favor, taking into account that Cabrera has already shown Espanyol his desire to leave and already has given yes to the Portuguese club.
The media point out that the arrival of the Dutchman Jan Vertonghen is compatible with that of the parakeet player since the Lisbon club needs two centrals. Cabrera, because of his experience, good passing game and left-handed profile, is the chosen one. Espanyol asks for the 15 million of its clause, but Benfica considers that paying eight million to a club that has been demoted is already enough. Espanyol paid Getafe nine million in January, the exact amount of their buyout clause.
There has been a relationship between Benfica and Espanyol in recent years, so the harmony between both clubs can help in the operation. In the last two winter markets, Espanyol obtained the transfers of Facundo Ferreyra and Alfa Semedo, while he signed Raúl de Tomás for 22.5 million euros, another of the players, such as Cabrera, who will leave the squad in this market.
With the obligation to sell to lower the salary limit, and taking into account the amortization of the Uruguayan center, the best solution for Espanyol is a sale. Everything indicates that if another club that offers more money does not come into action, the central defender will end up going to the Lisbon club to play European competitions.