Portugal: Benfica sell two players to an investment fund for €45 million

Benfica have sold 100% of the economic rights of two players, Spanish U21 striker Rodrigo Moreno for €30 million and Portuguese midfielder André Gomes for €15 million, to the investment fund Meriton Capital Limited on 31/01/2014.

Both players will remain with the Portuguese club until at least the end of this season, said the Portuguese press. The board of directors of the club also stated that the agreement assures Benfica will be entitled to receive 25% of any realised gain on a future transfer of André Gomes.

Shares of players’ rights held by investment companies account for €1.1 billion, or 5.7% of the total value of the European market, showed a study by the audit firm KPMG Europe for the ECA (European Club Association) on 20/11/2013. This market share reaches 36% in Portugal and even 40% in ten Eastern European countries.

"Now, some players are owned by companies, investment funds or individuals! The situation has worsened for players in fifty years. Some players do not know who even "owns their economic rights." It's scary. Even the term itself is scary!", said Michel…