Benfica Agrees to Sign Alessandro Circati from Parma for €20 Million
Benfica has secured a deal with Parma to acquire Australian centre-back Alessandro Circati for approximately €20 million. The agreement signifies a significant move for the Portuguese club, who acted swiftly to finalize the transaction.
According to Sky Sport, personal terms with Circati were settled prior to the agreement on the transfer fee, paving the way for his upcoming transition to Lisbon. The 22-year-old defender recently represented Australia at the World Cup and now prepares to depart from the club where he progressed through the youth ranks and made his first-team debut in 2022.
Nicknamed “Il Muro” (The Wall) by supporters, Circati played a key role in Parma’s successful promotion to Serie A in 2024 and became one of the team’s standout players last season, making 33 appearances in all competitions.
Born in Fidenza, Italy, and raised in Perth from the age of one, Circati opted to represent Australia rather than Italy. He has since made history by becoming the youngest captain of the Socceroos since 1981.
His impressive performances on the international stage have drawn attention from several top European clubs, but Benfica has moved decisively to secure his services.
Benfica have reached an agreement with Parma to sign Alessandro Circati, with the Portuguese club paying around €20m for the Australian centre-back.
According to Sky Sport, personal terms with Circati were already in place before the two clubs settled on a fee, clearing the way for his move to Lisbon.
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The 22-year-old, who also featured at this summer’s World Cup with Australia, is set to leave the club where he came through the youth ranks and made his first-team debut back in 2022.
UDINE, ITALY – APRIL 18: Arthur Atta of Udinese and Alessandro Circati of Parma in action during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Friuli on April 18, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Circati shines from Serie B promotion to Socceroos captain
Nicknamed “Il Muro” (The Wall) by Parma supporters for his defending, Circati helped the club win promotion to Serie A in 2024 and established himself as one of their most important players last season, making 33 appearances across all competitions.
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Born in Fidenza but raised in Perth from the age of one, he chose to represent Australia over Italy, going on to captain the Socceroos and become their youngest skipper since 1981.
His performances at the World Cup drew interest from several major European clubs, though it’s Benfica who have now moved fastest to get a deal over the line.
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