Benfica have entered the race for Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Daichi Kamada, who will be available for free this summer.
Frankfurt have announced that the Japanese midfielder will leave the club at the end of this season when his contract runs out.
It was previously reported that La Liga giants Barcelona and Atletico were the frontrunners in the transfer race, however, a new report from Record claims that Benfica have moved ahead for Kamada.
Barca have been monitoring the 26-year-old for a while after being impressed with his performances at Frankfurt.
Kamada helped the Eagles win the Europa League last season – beating Barca in the quarter-finals – and was also instrumental in qualifying to the round of 16 in the Champions League this term before being defeated by Napoli.
The Japanese international, who was part of the 2022 World Cup, has been one of the best players in an otherwise struggling campaign for Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, netting seven goals and four assists this term.
Barca’s financial troubles have seen them zero in on the best free transfers, but it looks like they could miss out on Kamada.
Meanwhile, Atletico have identified the Japanese international as one of the top targets for the summer, but now they might have to direct their attention towards alternatives.
Kamada is an attacking midfielder by trade but has excelled as one of the double pivots for Frankfurt this season.
Benfica will be preparing for yet another busy summer, with most of their prized assets linked with an exit.
Goncalo Ramos, Antonio Silva, Alejandro Grimaldo and Florentino Luis are among the players wanted by European heavyweights.
Yet, the Portuguese giants can cope with it because of their shrewd transfer business, excellent scouting and a world-class youth academy.
