Brazilian goalkeeper Bento, currently with Al Nassr, was on the verge of a move to Italy’s Genoa before a late twist. The transfer was prompted by limited playing time under manager Jorge Jesus with the Saudi club.
From the end of September through mid-January, Bento didn’t make a single league appearance, featuring in only five cup matches over a three-and-a-half month span. This lack of regular playing time, as he sought to solidify his place in the Brazilian national team squad, led him to explore other options.
Prior to Jorge Jesus’ arrival, Bento had been a consistent starter under managers Luís Castro and Stefano Pioli during the 2024/25 season. The change in status prompted the goalkeeper to seek clarification from the Portuguese coach.
“I would ask him what was happening. I respected his decision, but it wasn’t a fair competition, since I wasn’t competing for the goalkeeper position itself, but for a foreign player spot,” Bento explained, adding that Jorge Jesus never cited technical reasons for his absence. “It was really a tactical choice.”
The situation became frustrating for the player, who kept Brazil national team goalkeeping coach Taffarel informed of the developments. “The first time he [Jorge Jesus] left me out, he told me it was an easier game, that he wanted a more offensive team and wanted Ângelo [midfielder] in my place,” he recalled. “That bothered me,” he added.
As the winter transfer window approached, a move to Europe became a priority, and after some unsuccessful negotiations, an opportunity arose to join Serie A side Genoa.
“I practically offered myself to play there. Jorge Jesus didn’t want to let me go. After much discussion, I managed to convince him and he eventually released me,” the goalkeeper revealed.
However, an unexpected turn of events completely changed the scenario. During the clash against Al Hilal, goalkeeper Alaqidi was sent off, immediately halting Bento’s potential transfer.
“Everything was settled with Genoa. My bags were packed to travel. I was watching the game at home and, when it ended, I would have traveled. With the goalkeeper’s sending off, five minutes later my agent forwarded a message from the club official: ‘As you can imagine, Bento is no longer authorized to travel.’”
