Benfica Want Inter’s Joao Mario But Talks Can Fall Apart Due To Clause In Contract When Signed From Sporting CP, Italian Broadcaster Reports

Benfica are interested in signing Inter midfielder Joao Mario, though their approach for the player could face a major obstacle.

This according to Sky Sport Italia transfer market expert Gianluca Di Marzio, via FCInter1908, who reported that the terms of his sale from Sporting CP to Inter in 2016 include a clause which disallows the Nerazzurri to sell him to another Portuguese club with a steep financial penalty.

The player spent last season back on loan with Sporting, where he helped the club win their first Portuguese league title in nineteen years, and it is thought that the 28-year-old prefers a permanent stay at the club next season.

However, negotiations to make this permanent move a reality broke down due to the Lisbon-based club’s unwillingness to meet Inter’s valuation for the player.

Sporting’s Lisbon rivals are looking to take advantage of this impasse and swoop for Mario, but should Sporting be serious about enforcing the clause in his contract a deal will likely not happen.