Portuguese giants SL Benfica have announced the signing of Atletico winger Jose Antonio Reyes on a season long loan. The former Arsenal player, deemed surplus to requirements after just one season at Vicente Calderon, becomes Benfica’s fourth summer signing after Pablo Aimar, Carlos Martins and Javier Balboa. Benfica have paid €2.65 million for 25% of Reyes’ playing rights, with an option to buy the remaining 3/4th when the loan spell ends.
Reyes joined Atletico from Arsenal for a reported fee of €12m. He also spent a season on loan at Real Madrid. However he failed to score a single goal in 26 appearances for Los Colchoneros and Javier Aguirre decided that he was no longer needed.