Benfica snap up Djalo

Benfica have announced they have signed ex-Sporting Lisbon striker Yannick Djalo on a free transfer.

The 25-year-old attacker has penned a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Estadio da Luz outfit after being linked with Aston Villa and Porto in recent times.

Djalo joined Nice on the last day of the off-season transfer window in August, but FIFA rejected the move as it was registered after midnight, when the market was already closed.

The Ligue 1 club then decided to call off the deal and Djalo found himself in limbo, as he was ejected from the Sporting squad by coach Domingos Paciencia.

The club issued a statement on Monday saying they still owned the 25-year-old’s economic rights, but just hours later the forward called a press conference to announce he was a free agent.

Djalo is the first January signing by Benfica, who are five points clear at the top of the league and will take on Zenit St. Petersburg in the Champions League round of 16.