Benfica is set to get a new striker after Dutch international Bas Dost revealed his intention to leave VfL Wolfsburg to join Portuguese giant Benfica.
He make his intentions known as his spot in the squad is under threat with the move of German Mario Gomez.
The transfer window is poised to close on Wednesday, yet Dost insists he can force his move away from the club. He is keen on playing in Portugal, with the deal set to take at least €10 million.
“I am assuming that it will come off,” Dost said after his assists in the 2-0 win at Augsburg. Gomez is set to return to training soon as he picked up a hamstring injury whilst in action for Germany at the Euro 2016 tournament. Gomez decided to quit Turkey after his stellar record last term due to the political unrest in Turkey. He is the top scorer with 132 goals in 197 games for Bayern Munich and Stuttgart since 2006. His arrival forced Dost to look for alternatives.
His parent club was Fiorentina, but he was sent on loan to Besiktas. He ended last season as the highest goal scorer with 26 goals. Dost admitted that the arrival of Gomez played a role, claiming that “he would be the first choice striker.” Since his move to Wolfsburg in 2012, Dost has contributed 36 games after 85 appearances. He was spectacular in the 2014/15 season, netting 16 goals in 21 games in the Bundesliga. His goal was helpful as the German club won the German Cup.
The director of sport at Wolfsburg Klaus Allofs disclosed that the discussions with the Portuguese club are ongoing. He said: “they could come to something, but we will make a decision in peace in the next few days.”