MLS side FC Dallas and Portuguese club Benfica have announced a “talent development partnership” between the two teams.
Benfica have one of world football’s most prestigious academies which has recently developed players including Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Ruben Dias, Renato Sanches and Joao Cancelo, among others.
Dallas, meanwhile, have one of the most prolific academies in the U.S., with the 37 graduates who have signed for the first-team squad more than any other MLS club.
Benfica and Dallas previously did business earlier this month, with Croatia international Petar Musa joining the Texas team for around $9.5million.
Dallas previously had a relationship with German club Bayern Munich — which saw current USMNT international and Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards join Bayern in 2019 — but that agreement ended in March last year.
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Bayern subsequently agreed a partnership with Los Angeles FC in March 2023 in a joint venture, called Red&Gold Football, which is based in Munich, to facilitate the development of players.
“Developing talent from within is one of our core philosophies at FC Dallas,” the MLS club’s president Dan Hunt said.
“Partnering with a club that shares our commitment and has the legacy and talent that Benfica possesses allows both of us to keep creating incredible opportunities for athletes and soccer professionals globally.”
Manuel de Brito, vice president of Benfica said: “The United States is a strategic market for Benfica’s growth strategy.
“Soccer has been the fastest-growing sport among young people in the U.S and Benfica has been very actively looking for opportunities for the last two years. We believe this partnership will help us increase our presence in the U.S.
“FC Dallas is the leading youth soccer academy in America, as numerous former FC Dallas Academy players are in the national teams of the United States, Mexico, and Canada. So, approaching FC Dallas was a natural step for Benfica.
“Possibilities are endless and I believe this partnership will be a success.”
(Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
