Ajax to decline option to sign Benfica goalkeeper

Despite André Onana looking very likely to leave this summer, Ajax will reportedly decline their €6m option-to-buy on Benfica goalkeeper Bruno Varela.

The 25-year-old was expected not to return after failing to threaten Onana’s place as the Eredivise club’s sure-fire number one option.

Varela was brought in on loan for the second half of last season before securing a further 12 months at Ajax over the summer.

Despite his extended stay, Varela was only able to make three first-team appearances, most notably the 2-0 loss to Getafe in the first leg of the Europa League round-of-32.

It’s unclear what’s next for the Portuguese as Greece international goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos has started every league match for Benfica this season, penning an extension until 2024 back in August.