Benfica complete hat-trick of signings

SL Benfica have unveiled a trio of new signings with centre-back Sidnei Rechel da Silva Júnior, left-back Jorge Ribeiro and winger Jonathan Urretavizcaya all joining the UEFA Cup contenders.

'Fast and strong'
The Lisbon club have paid SC Internacional €5m for 50 per cent of Sidnei's playing rights with the 19-year-old prospect joining on a five-year contract. "He's a fast and strong defender, but it's important to know his current physical condition," Benfica coach Quique Sánchez Flores said of Sidnei, who helped Brazil to a third-place finish at the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Cup. "He was being followed by some great teams and we'll see how he can fit in the squad," Sánchez Flores added. "This is a great club so we'll have to decide if it's better for him to develop his skills here or somewhere else."

New faces
Portugal left-back Jorge Ribeiro returns to Benfica – where he started his career – six years after leaving the club. The 26-year-old capped a fine season with Boavista FC by featuring for Portugal against Switzerland at UEFA EURO 2008™. The younger brother of Maniche, Jorge Ribeiro has signed a four-year deal with Benfica and joins for an undisclosed fee. Uruguayan winger Jonathan Urretavizcaya has agreed to a five-year contract after scoring eight goals in 14 matches for CA River Plate last season. The 18-year-old also arrives for an undisclosed fee.