Socceroos defender Alessandro Circati has completed a reported AUD$33 million move to Portuguese club SL Benfica, becoming the latest Australian star to secure a big transfer following the World Cup.

The 22-year-old signed a five-year contract with the Lisbon club, keeping him until the end of the 2030-31 season.

Circati said he was eager to get started at his new club.

“It’s a huge honour,” he said. “It’s a privilege, I’m over the moon, couldn’t be happier.”

The move follows a strong World Cup campaign, with Circati starting all four of Australia’s matches and helping the Socceroos keep two clean sheets.

The Italy-born defender moved to Australia as a one-year-old and came through the Perth Glory academy before joining Parma Calcio in 2021.

He made 31 starts for Parma during the 2025-26 Serie A season after returning from a torn ACL, establishing himself as one of the club’s key defenders. He has also become an important member of the Socceroos, making 17 international appearances along with a goal to his name.

Circati’s move is the latest in a growing wave of Australian players securing transfers following the World Cup. Socceroos forward Nestory Irankunda joined Benfica’s rivals Sporting CP earlier this month, while Lucas Herrington recently moved to English Premier League club Hull City and Nishan Velupillay completed a move from Melbourne Victory to German third-tier club FC Ingolstadt 04.

The Socceroos will return to international action in September with a two-game series against Brazil, before competing in next year’s Asian Cup.

Photo: By Bryan Berlin found HERE is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has been cropped.