Julio Cesar Transfer Rumours: Latest News and Speculation on QPR Goalkeeper
QPR's Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar looks likely to be leaving the club shortly and heading to Portuguese giants, Benfica.
Gianluca Di Marzioย reports that the veteran arrived in Lisbon on Monday night and briefly commented on his potential transfer:ย โBenfica is one of the greatest teams in the world but we still have to discuss so I canโt say anything."
But BeIN Sports correspondent Tancredi Palmeri claims it is a done deal and took to Twitter to announce his thoughts:
Cesar was later confirmed as a Benfica player (via Mail Sport Online):
The former Ballon d'Or nominee has not played a league match for QPR since their relegation from the top division of English football in 2013.ย
He featured in just one solitary cup game last year for Harry Redknapp's side, and his departure has seemed inevitable for a long time.
Cesar played in 24 of QPR's Premier League games in 2012-13, perย WhoScored.com, but he failed to assist in keeping the side away from the drop into the Championship.
His most recent ventures have seen him keep goal for Brazil at the World Cup and play on loan at MLS side Toronto FC.
Simon Jonesย of theย Daily Mailย recently reported that Cesar was in discussions with QPR over a severance package that would allow him to leave on a free transfer.
Jones says the player is on ยฃ100,000 a week at Loftus Road and that the club are desperate to get him off their wage bill.
Cesar was once the best goalkeeper in the world, but those days have long gone.ย He was a marquee signing when QPR tried to buy their way to Premier League safety, but the physical nature of the English league did not suit his mindset.
It was also evident in Brazil at the World Cup that he is a fading force, no longer able to hit the peaks he once did in an Inter Milan shirt where he won the Champions League in 2009-10.
At 34 years old, there is still time for the player to experience an Indian summer in Portugal, and he could be a useful addition to the Benfica squad.
He might not have the physical ability to play on the biggest stages consistently anymore, but life in the Portuguese league may suit him much better, allowing him to recapture past form.
QPR have been paying him a huge wage during the past year, and it is imperative they find him a new home now.
