Financial woes stop Ansaldi-Benfica deal

Rubin Kazan left-back Cristian Ansaldi has declared he will not be joining Benfica in January as the Portuguese outfit cannot afford him.

Ansaldi had been suggested as Benfica’s number-one target for the January transfer window as the Portuguese club look for a replacement for the outbound Joan Capdevila.

The Spain international, who moved to the Estadio da Luz in the off-season, has made just three appearances this season and is looking for a new challenge in order to find regular first-team action.

Benfica and Rubin had been locked in talks over Ansaldi’s transfer, but according to the Argentina international, negotiations hit a stumbling block over financial matters.

“From what my representatives have told me, Benfica cannot offer me nor Rubin Kazan a proper financial compensation,” Ansaldi told Sport Express.

“Without money, how is it possible to talk about a transfer? It does not make any sense.”

Last month, Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira admitted the financial crisis could affect the club’s position in the transfer market and cause the squad to weaken.

Ansaldi went on to stress that he is happy with life at the Russian club, amidst reports Roma are also interested in his services.

“I have said several times that Kazan has become my home and that I am very happy at the club,” Ansaldi said.

“My family is happy, we have excellent conditions to live here. I really want my son to be born in Russia, where we are happy.”