The attacking midfielder had been in Argentina for the past month and was refusing to return to Lisbon; however in a change of events he has flown to Portugal and is meeting with the Estadio da Luz officials.
Perez, who signed by the Reds last summer, failed to make an impact at Benfica after being peripherally used by Jorge Jesus this season. The tactician opted to utilize the club’s plethora of options in the midfield and restricted the 25-year-old to the sidelines.
Fed-up with his unwanted status at the Stadium of Light, the player refused to return from his homeland after the holidays and demanded that the club let him sign for Estudiantes.
The Benfica officials were outraged by his demands and decided to press charges against him, as he was not complying with their wishes. While Perez expressed an interest in making a return to Estadio Único de La Plata, the Rat-Stabbers quickly distanced themselves from the situation.
“It is false that has ever been any formal contact with Enzo Perez in order to convince him to return to Estudiantes. There was only one contact on a personal level, by our sports director, Daniel Romeo, who spoke with Enzo to wish him Happy Holidays and asked how the recovery was going,” said club president Enrique Lombardi.
However the player was still adamant in staying in Argentina and was refusing to come to Portugal. But in a recent turn of events, Perez arrived in Lisbon yesterday with his agent, Miguel Pires.
Both were quickly escorted out of the airport, so as to prevent unnecessary attention from the media by Benfica officials. The club have not issued any statements regarding their plans but it is highly expected that Perez will no longer play for them.
Eduardo Salvio has already been touted as his replacement and coach Jorge Jesus admitted that he would welcome the player back anytime. Enzo Perez is now likely to face disciplinary charges and will be offloaded by the Lisbon outfit, as soon as a potential offer comes in.
However given his insubordination, it remains to be seen which side will acquire his services this winter.
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