Benfica Midfielder Florentino Luis Set for Burnley Move After Emotional Farewell
Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis is on the brink of a new chapter in his career, with a move to Burnley expected to be completed imminently.
The 26-year-old received an emotional send-off from Benfica fans on Sunday night, marking his final appearance for the Portuguese giants.
Luis featured as a second-half substitute in the club’s 2-1 victory over FC Alverca, a fitting farewell for a player who has become a fan favourite.
After the match, teammates pushed Luis forward to acknowledge the travelling supporters. The crowd responded with applause and chants, while Luis threw his shirt into the cheering stands, a touching moment that symbolised his bond with Benfica.
Benfica boss Bruno Lage was visibly emotional during the farewell, embracing the midfielder before he departed for Turf Moor. Reports suggest Burnley will secure Luis on an initial loan deal, with a compulsory purchase clause to follow.
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“I gave Tino [Florentino] a hug,” Lage said. “I think it’s a very difficult moment, but at the same time a good one.
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Difficult because it’s the farewell of a great player, whom I had the opportunity to launch, who helped me immensely, both in the B team and in the first team.
“Interestingly, in the locker room, I also reinforced the importance of coach Roger Schmidt, because he knew how to bring him back to Benfica at the right time, so he could once again be the great player he was.
In the end, it also turns out to be a good moment. I had a conversation with Tino at the Club World Cup, and he also understood that if a good opportunity came along, he, at 25/26 years old, could have an adventure abroad different from those he had had before.
So we made the reinforcement we made in the market because we felt, given Tino’s quality and his performance last year in the Champions League, that a team from a major league could come and get him, and that’s what happened.
Tino would always have a place with me because, as you know, we’ve talked about this several times, what I like is to have two competitive players for each position.”
At the time, Manu Silva’s arrival was to give us exactly that: two players with different profiles, who could give us what the game demanded at any given moment.
“Enzo [Barrenechea]’s arrival was for that reason, so that we could eventually prepare for Tino’s departure and, at the same time, Manu’s absence due to injury.”
Luis’ departure marks the end of a significant chapter at Benfica. His performances in the Champions League and domestic competitions have attracted attention from clubs in top European leagues.
Burnley’s acquisition is expected to bolster their midfield options and bring experience to Sean Dyche’s squad.
Fans in the UK can anticipate seeing Luis bring his tactical awareness, ball control, and versatility to Turf Moor – traits that have defined his career in Portugal. The Clarets are reportedly finalising the deal today, ahead of the transfer window deadline.
This move comes amid a busy period of transfers in European football, with clubs reshaping squads ahead of the new season. For instance, Manchester United recently offloaded Antony to Real Betis, a move that highlights how top teams are managing talent and squad balance.
Luis’s first permanent stint in English football promises a fresh challenge for the midfielder eager to prove himself on a new stage.
