TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Report
Benfica midfielder Chiquinho has emerged as a Vancouver Whitecaps FC transfer target, according to a report from Portuguese outlet Record.
The attacking midfielder, whose full name is Francisco Leonel Lima Silva Machado, returned to Benfica ahead of the 2019 season for his second stint at the Primeira Liga powerhouse. To date, the 25-year-old has three goals and seven assists in 45 games for The Eagles.
Chiquinho’s best year came in 2018 with Portugese side Moreirense FC, where he had 10 goals and eight assists in 38 matches across all competitions. He’s also played for Academica and broke through at Leixoes, two other clubs in Portugal.
Should Chiquinho indeed join Vancouver, he’d likely slot into the No. 10 role. Their central midfield has been a work in progress after they transferred Inbeom Hwang to Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan. The club’s also made no secret of their desire to land a Designated Player in this position, so perhaps Chiquinho fits the mold.
