Transfer Battle for Gustavo Puerta
Olympiacos and Benfica are currently engaged in a transfer battle to secure the services of Gustavo Puerta, a promising Colombian midfielder. According to a report by Portuguese CNN via Sport24.gr, SL Benfica are looking to replace Richard Rios and have identified Gustavo Puerta, who plays for Real Racing Santander, as a potential signing. Olympiacos is also showing strong interest in the player.
Player Background and Market Value
Gustavo Puerta, born in La Victoria, Colombia, began his professional career in 2021 with Bogotá in the Categoría Primera B. He later joined Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the 2023-24 Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal. Puerta also had a loan spell at Hull City before joining Racing Santander on a four-year contract last summer. His release clause with Racing Santander is set at around €16-17.5 million, making him a high-value target for any club looking to acquire his services.
Puerta featured in 33 appearances for Racing Santander in the Spanish Segunda Division last season, scoring three goals and dominating the midfield, which helped the club secure promotion to LaLiga. Despite no official contact from either club, it is unlikely that any lower price will be negotiated for the player.
Other Potential Moves
Olympiacos is also considering other potential signings, such as Spartak Moscow's Manfred Ugalde, who is asking for a reduced transfer fee of €12-€15 million. Meanwhile, Olympiacos striker Mehdi Taremi is in talks with CSKA Moscow for a possible transfer, and the club is preparing to bring in Manfred Ugalde as a replacement. More reports are expected as the transfer window progresses to the end of the month.
Both deals are currently in the primary stages with negligible contacts between the clubs. The transfer market remains dynamic, and any updates will be provided as they become available.
