Benfica have completed the signing of 18-year-old midfielder Federico Coletta from AS Roma, with the deal officially confirmed today. The move had first been reported earlier this month by journalist Fabrizio Romano, who called it a surprise final-day transfer.
Softfootball understands that Coletta signs a three-year contract with the Portuguese side, who paid around €1 million to bring him in. Roma also included a 30% sell-on clause, meaning they will benefit financially if Benfica sell him in the future.
Unlike the signing of Franjo Ivanovic, Coletta is joining Benfica B, the club’s reserve side in Liga Portugal 2, rather than going straight into the first team. That step is expected, since Coletta has yet to make a senior appearance for Roma.
Transfer expert Fabrizio reported the deal between both clubs via his official X account.
He Posted:
Federico Coletta has arrived at Benfica after exclusive story on Deadline Day on agreement done to sign him from AS Roma. €1m fee for Italian talented midfielder.
Still, he brings plenty of minutes from youth competitions. He played 40 times for Roma’s U20 team, scoring 14 goals and setting up three more. Before that, he shone with the U17s, where he scored 17 goals in 28 games. Earlier in his career, Coletta played for Vigor Perconti, a club known in Italy for its strong youth setup.
For Roma, the move ends his long spell in their academy. For Benfica, it is another example of their focus on picking up young players with potential and then developing them further.
Coletta has also been capped at youth level for Italy, which adds to his profile. His first challenge now will be to adapt to a new country and league. If he settles quickly with Benfica B, chances could open up for him in the first team over the next few years.
The transfer fee might not be huge, but Benfica clearly see this as an investment in the future.
