<\/p>\n
Another Socceroos star is reportedly heading to Portugal on a monster transfer.<\/p>\n
And a teammate could be set to unite with childhood friend Nestory Irankunda, as the European country becomes a haven for some of Australia\u2019s brightest talents.<\/p>\n
Catch up on all the latest moves and whispers in Football Transfers<\/i><\/b>.<\/p>\n Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n MONSTER DEAL FOR SOCCEROOS STAR<\/b><\/p>\n Portuguese giants Benfica have reportedly landed star Australian centre back Alessandro Circati, according to reports.<\/p>\n The Italian-born 22-year old has been at Serie A club Parma since 2022 after bursting onto the scene as a member of A-League side Perth Glory\u2019s academy, where he moved at age 1.<\/p>\n He has since played a key role in the club\u2019s promotion to Serie A in 2024, making 33 appearances across all competitions last season.<\/p>\n But according to Sky Sports Italy, Parma have agreed to terms with Benfica, with Circati to head to Portugal for a \u20ac20 million transfer fee \u2013 worth roughly $32.5 million.<\/p>\n If confirmed, the deal would rival Nestory Irankunda\u2019s move to fellow Portuguese giants Sporting CP and Lucas Herrington\u2019s recent switch to Premier League club Hull City as the most expensive transfer ever for an Australian player.<\/p>\n However, it is less than the reported \u20ac25 million ($41.1m) price tag Parma had reportedly placed on their vice-captain\u2019s head<\/a>, after he attracted interest from a number of rival Italian powerhouses following an excellent World Cup.<\/p>\n After the Socceroos reached the knockout rounds for the second straight tournament, the defender caught the eye of Juventus and AC Milan, while Premier League club Newcastle, La Liga giants Atletico Madrid and two-time reigning Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.<\/p>\n In July, Circati\u2019s father and co-agent Gianfranco told football360.com.au that he was \u201cvery happy\u201d to remain at Parma, where he was contracted until 2029.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s really up to Parma whether they want to keep him or sell him \u2026 there have been some talks,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Circati\u2019s choice to represent Australia internationally rather than Italy, having represented the Azzurri at U21 level, in 2023 was widely celebrated.<\/p>\n In 2025, he became the Socceroos\u2019 youngest captain since 1981 after taking on the armband against New Zealand, in only his seventh appearance in gold.<\/p>\n A-LEAGUE STAR\u2019S SUDDEN DEPARTURE<\/b><\/p>\n Socceroos and Melbourne Victory winger Nishan Velupillay has abruptly departed the A-League powerhouse ahead of a move to Europe.<\/p>\n The 25-year old Melburnian made his World Cup debut for Australia against Turkiye at the 2026 tournament after coming on in the 61st minute.<\/p>\n However, after seven years at Victory, who he supported as a child, Velupillay is leaving the club for greener pastures elsewhere, despite having another year to run on his contract.<\/p>\n The move was seemingly confirmed by his arrival in Germany for a medical with his new team, who is yet to be publicly confirmed.<\/p>\n Victory did not comment when contacted on the transfer by news.com.au.<\/p>\n Velupillay\u2019s departure is unwelcome news in the midst of the club\u2019s Australia Cup campaign, which continues on Wednesday night with a quarter-final clash against NPL NSW side APIA Leichhardt.<\/p>\n MO ON THE MOVE AS REUNION WITH CHILDHOOD FRIEND LOOMS<\/b><\/p>\n Emerging Socceroo Mohamed Toure is set to transfer to a European powerhouse, with a number of the region\u2019s most powerful clubs interested in the 22-year old.<\/p>\n The striker currently plays for Norwich City in the Championship, the second-highest tier of English football.<\/p>\n