Another emerging Socceroo set for big-money move

Another emerging Australian is set for a significant move this European transfer period. 

Alessandro Circati, 22, is reportedly closing in on a shift to Portuguese giants Benfica, according to Fabrizio Romano.

A $32 million (€20m) deal plus add-ons is in place with Circati’s current club Parma. A verbal agreement has been made and the talented defender wants the move.

Italian-born, WA-raised Circati has been with Parma in Italy’s Serie A since making the move from Perth Glory in 2021 prior to signing a pro contract in early 2022.

He will join Nestory Irankunda in Portugal after the winger recently sealed a $26m (with add-ons) move to Sporting Lisbon from Watford.

Circati is the third young Socceroo to move to the UK/Europe after 18-year-old defender Lucas Herrington landed a $32.5m transfer to Premier League side Hull City from MLS outfit Colorado Rapids.

The trio all impressed for the Socceroos at the recent FIFA World Cup.