Valencia have strengthened their midfield in their chase for a Champions League spot, signing Argentine international Enzo Perez from Benfica. The club announced on Tuesday that Perez had passed a medical and will join the club on January 2. His transfer fee is reportedly €25m.
Perez was a winger when Benfica signed him from Estudiantes La Plata in 2011, but just over a year after his arrival, he was converted to central midfield. He's flourished in that position, and was Angel Di Maria's backup in the box-to-box role for Argentina at the most recent World Cup. Valencia currently have lots of talent in defense and attack, but were a bit thin in the center heading into January.
Los Che have had a great season thus far. They currently sit fourth in La Liga and won their last two matches before the winter break. Valencia limped through nearly a decade of financial struggles until recently, when billionaire Peter Lim bought the club, restructured their debt, and started investing in the squad. Perez is the biggest investment to date.
Valencia take on Real Madrid on Sunday, and Perez will be eligible to play in that match.
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