Joao Mario could move from Inter to Benfica, but his move will hinge on the validity of a clause in the deal which originally made him an Inter player.
This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, who report that the lawyers for both players are currently looking over the clause to determine its significance.
The 28-year-old joined the Nerazzurri from Sporting CP in the summer of 2016, and it is reported that as part of the terms of the deal, a clause was included which gives the Lisbon club the option to match offers for the midfielder should Inter sell him, as well as preventing the Nerazzurri from selling him to a Portuguese club other than Sporting under financial penalty.
With the penalty involved reported to be as high as €20 million, it would undoubtedly prove prohibitive should the Nerazzurri wish to sell the player to Benfica.
Mario had spent last season on loan with Sporting, and had hoped to make the loan move a permanent one, but talks between the clubs broke down over Sporting’s unwillingness to meet the Nerazzurri’s valuation for the player.
With Sporting out of the picture several clubs emerged as suitors, but Benfica appear to be leading the chase for his signature should they be able to sign him without the clause penalizing Inter financially.
