Rafael Luís, a 21-year-old defensive midfielder, officially left Benfica on the last day of the transfer market, signing for Gençlerbirligi in Turkey. Despite the permanent departure, Benfica managed to maintain a strategic position over the player's future, keeping 50 percent of the pass and securing a buyback option, which allows them to benefit from any future appreciation of the player.
The midfielder is a product of Benfica's academy, having joined the club in the 2010/11 season. Rafael Luís was part of the main team's pre-season last season and was given his debut by Bruno Lage in the Eusébio Cup match against Fenerbahçe, which ended with Benfica winning 3-2.
Before heading to Turkey, the young player had his first experience in professional football abroad when he was loaned to Strasbourg, in France. The connection between the two clubs is not, moreover, new, which would have facilitated the negotiation for the player's transfer to Gençlerbirligi.
