Promising Socceroo Alessandro Circati is the latest Australian international to secure a lucrative move in Europe, describing his transfer from Parma to Benfica as a major honour.
His transfer follows Lucas Herrington’s switch from MLS to Hull City, which made him Australia’s sole Premier League representative, and Nestory Irankunda’s move from Watford to Benfica’s Lisbon rivals Sporting. The Portuguese powerhouse reportedly paid 20 million euros ($33 million) for Circati.
Nishan Velupillay also completed a transfer from Melbourne Victory to German third-division side FC Ingolstadt 04 on Wednesday. Australian internationals heading to the World Cup are attracting considerable interest, while Norwich forward Mohamed Touré has also reportedly caught the attention of leading clubs.
Circati’s switch from Italy’s Serie A to Portugal’s Primeira Liga had been developing for some time. The 22-year-old has agreed to a five-year deal, keeping him with the Lisbon-based two-time European champions until 2031.
Addressing Benfica supporters through the club’s website, Circati said he was eager to play in front of them and help the team compete for as many trophies as possible. He described joining the club as an enormous honour and said he could not be happier.
He added that the transfer felt like recognition for years of dedication and hard work, and that he was excited to begin representing Benfica.
Transfer Guide
World Cup Socceroos changing clubs
Patrick Beach: Melbourne City (Aus) to Troyes (Fra)
Cammy Devlin: Hearts (Sco) to Rangers (Sco)
Ajdin Hrustic: Heracles Almelo (Ned) to Al Nasr (UAE)
Jackson Irvine: St Pauli (Ger) to Cerezo Osaka (Jpn)
Awer Mabil: CD Castellon (Esp) to Melbourne City (Aus)
Paul Okon-Engstler: Sydney FC (Aus) to FC Koln (Ger)
Lucas Herrington: Colorado Rapids (US) to Hull City (Eng)
Nestory Irankunda: Watford (Eng) to Sporting (Por)
Nishan Velupillay: Melbourne Victory (Aus) to Ingolstadt 04 (Ger)
Alessandro Circati: Parma (Ita) to Benfica (Por)
The Italy-born defender will play at the renowned Estadio da Luz, also known as the Stadium of Light. After seeing the venue, Circati said he was amazed by it and extremely enthusiastic about taking to the pitch there.
Discussing his adjustment to a new team and league, Circati said his versatility allows him to operate on either side of central defence in both four-player and three-player defensive systems.
He acknowledged that settling in would require some time but said he would work to accelerate the process with support from his new teammates and coaching staff. He remains confident that he will adapt successfully.
Circati developed through Perth Glory’s academy before earning a place at Parma following a trial in 2021, reconnecting with his Italian heritage. He progressed rapidly and impressed in Serie A, emerging as one of the northern club’s strongest performers during its 12th-place finish last season.
The defender featured in each of Australia’s four World Cup fixtures. He has now collected 17 senior international caps and scored one goal.
Parma marked his departure by highlighting his contribution to the club. Circati played 96 matches in total, including 37 Serie A appearances, and scored twice. He was an important part of the squad that won the 2023/24 Serie B championship and helped the team preserve its top-flight status during the next two campaigns.
Club president Kyle J Krause, chief executive Federico Cherubini and everyone at Parma thanked Circati for his service and wished him success in the next stage of his career.
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