Real Madrid Transfer News: Garay leaves for Benfica

Ezequiel Garay has left Real Madrid for Benfica, as per his agent. His agent, Ricardo Schlieper confirmed the transfer on his behalf saying “He (Garay) will play for Benfica. Everything has been settled. He signed a contract on Wednesday, I was in Madrid and he received the paperwork in Santa Fe, where he was with the national team. It is a four-year contract”. He further added “He has always been interested [in moving to Benfica]. They are a great club and play in an attractive league, with a lot of Argentines, which makes it all more comfortable, and he will play on a regular basis which is what he was missing.”

Garay out of Madrid

The Argentine center back who was thought to be the future of the Madrid club’s back line along with Raul Albiol seems to have regressed on his path. Being the fourth choice centre back throughout his two years with the Madrid giant and with Real signing the 18 year old French prospect Raphael Varane on a long term deal it seems the right decision on his part. Garay has now joined the Portuguese side Benfica in an exchange deal that will see the Portuguese left back Fabio Coentrao moving to Madrid with Garay heading the other way. The deal is supposed to be in the range of 5.5 million Euros. Garay who has been on national duties for the current Copa America will join his new team mates after the tournament and will be looking to fill the gaps at the back of Benfica’s defense due to the departure of another South American player David Luiz who was bought by Chelsea in the winter transfer window