Here We Go: Ofoborh to Benfica – The Data Behind the Deal

The Transfer Confirmed
When Fabrizio Romano says ‘Here we go’, you can bet your last euro it’s happening. Real Madrid’s 23-year-old full-back Rafael Ofoborh is Lisbon-bound, with Benfica securing him on a permanent deal. As someone who’s tracked his loan spells (and those injury comebacks), this move smells like smart business – but let’s crunch the numbers.

Why Benfica? The Tactical Fit
Benfica’s system under Roger Schmidt demands explosive overlapping full-backs who can transition into midfield – a role where Ofoborh’s 1.2 key passes per 90 minutes (via Opta) last season aligns perfectly. His duel success rate (58%) isn’t world-class yet, but at Primeira Liga intensity? That’ll climb faster than the Cristo Rei statue.

The Carreras Connection
This deal’s spicy footnote: it’s tied to Álvaro Carreras’ potential move to Madrid. My contacts in Portugal suggest Benfica will net around €8m+add-ons for Ofoborh while negotiating Carreras’ fee downward. Classic Jorge Mendes chess moves – I’d expect more dominoes to fall.

What Ofoborh Brings

• Pressing resistance: Completed 82% of dribbles under pressure in Segunda División
• Set-piece threat: Won 64% of aerial duels as a right-back (!)
• Versatility: Can slot into midfield – crucial for Benfica’s UCL rotations

One caution: his injury history reads like a medical textbook. But if fit? This could be the steal of Portugal’s summer.