Benfica is actively pursuing Thiago Almada to fill the creative winger role left by Angel Di Maria's imminent departure to Rosario Central. The club has had a long-standing interest in Almada and is keen to bring him on board for the next season. John Textor, the owner of Olympique Lyonnais, has set a price of at least 40 million euros for the transfer, which Benfica considers too high. As a result, Benfica is attempting to negotiate a lower price, potentially involving a player exchange with Gianluca Prestianni to reduce the operation's cost. The negotiations are at an advanced stage, and Benfica remains optimistic, particularly because Almada is interested in joining them, inspired by Enzo Fernandez's success at the club. Benfica aims to finalize the deal quickly. Almada, who joined Olympique Lyonnais after a period at Botafogo and has established himself as an indispensable player with 20 appearances, 2 goals, and 5 assists, is eager to make the move as his future at Lyon appears uncertain.