Cher Ndour, once hailed as a rising star within the ranks of Benfica Lisbon, made waves when he departed Portugal last summer, opting not to renew his contract and instead joining Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. However, in a surprising twist, the 19-year-old midfielder of Senegalese descent returned to Portugal on loan for the latter half of the season, sparking curiosity regarding the circumstances behind his departure from Benfica.
Marco Martins, a seasoned journalist with Record media, has recently shed light on the intriguing saga surrounding Ndour’s exit from Benfica.
In an exclusive interview with Foot Mercato, Martins disclosed pivotal details:
“It appears that Ndour did not receive the contractual offer from Benfica that he deemed suitable for his continued development.
In today’s football landscape, young talents often seek lucrative contracts, a demand that might pose challenges for clubs like Benfica, particularly when faced with competing offers from other clubs.
The allure of joining Paris Saint-Germain, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Mbappé, and the promise of increased playing time proved enticing for Ndour.”
Martins also delved into another crucial factor influencing Ndour’s decision to part ways with Benfica:
“Furthermore, it seems that Ndour’s disappointment at being denied the opportunity to represent Senegal in the U20 World Cup played a significant role in his departure.
The prospect of missing out on such a prestigious tournament, coupled with limited playing time under coach Roger Schmidt’s rotation policy, left Ndour seeking greener pastures elsewhere.”
These revelations offer valuable insights into the multifaceted considerations that shaped Ndour’s pivotal career decision.
As the promising midfielder continues his journey, navigating the intricate landscape of professional football, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the complex dynamics at play in the realm of sports contracts and player development strategies.