Angel Di Maria close to Benfica return on one-year contract

The Argentine won the Liga Portugal in 2009-10

According to Italian transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Benfica are nearing a free transfer agreement with Argentine forward Angel Di Maria.

After just one Serie A season, the 35-year-old confirmed his move away from Juventus earlier this month. Di Maria has drawn attention from teams in Saudi Arabia and Inter Miami of Major League Soccer, where he could return with his countryman Lionel Messi.

However, Benfica are interested in Angel Di Maria and is close to signing him, with talks for a one-year contract at their conclusion.

The 35-year-old had great moments despite a difficult season with the Bianconeri, such as his outstanding hat trick over Nantes in the Europa League.

His season's high point, though, was helping Argentina win the World Cup. Di Maria's goal in the championship match versus France was crucial. The former PSG player, who is about to begin his second stint with Benfica, wants to stay in Europe.

Prior to playing for Real Madrid, Manchester United, and PSG, Di Maria played for the Portuguese Titans for a period of three years between 2007 and 2010.

Orkun Kukcu, a Turkish midfielder, has recently joined Benfica from Feyenoord for a club-record €30 million.

Additionally, they stand to lose young star Cher Ndour, who has agreed to join Ligue 1 powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain.

The front line, made up of Goncalo Ramos, David Neres, and Andreas Schjelderup, will be strengthened by Di Maria.

The Argentine attacker will pair up with Nicolas Otamendi, a World Cup champion compatriot who just had his agreement with Benfica extended through 2025.