Fabio Coentrao: Benfica Left Back to Go to Real Madrid

According to a breaking news story from The Guardian, Fabio Coentrao is expected to leave Benfica and play for Real Madrid. The initial agreement is valued at €30 million euros or $43 million US dollars.

The announcement was made by Benfica in a statement to the security market commission of Portugual. The deal is pending the medical examination of Coentrao by the Real Madrid medical staff and the formal signing of a contract.

The formal signing of a contract would not be surprising taking into account Coentrao's comments. Coentrao in the past has expressed a desire to play for Real Madrid.

Fabio Coentrao participated in the 2010-2011 season with Benfica and Portugal. The statistics of Coentrao were (according to ESPN), 12 goals served, one assist, eight shots, four shots on goal, nine fouls committed, 14 fouls served and two yellow cards.

Liverpool and Manchester City were once linked to a possible transfer of Coentrao until Benfica made its announcement. Coentrao was also expected to accompany former Benfica coach Andre Villas-Boas to Chelsea but Real Madrid emerged as a winner.

It remains to be seen whether the new reshuffling of the deck in Real Madrid will help the team in the 2011-2012 season.