Benfica starlet Rochinha joins Wanderers

WANDERERS have agreed a loan move for young Benfica midfielder Rochinha, manager Neil Lennon has revealed.

The 19-year-old playmaker, whose full is Diogo Filipe Costa Rocha, starred for the Portuguese side's reserve team in last season's UEFA Youth League and wasd player of the tournament ahead of Manchester United’s young striker James Wilson.

Rochinha is Portuguese of Brazilian descent but is yet to make the breakthrough as a first-team regular having made a handful of appearances for the Lisbon giants’ B team this season.


Once a deal is completed, Rochinha will stay with Wanderers until the end of the season.

Lennon said: “He pays in the number 10 role and did really well in the Uefa Youth league last year.

“He is very talented, creative and has a goal in him and we are grateful to Benfica for letting him come here to get games.”

Rochinha arrived yesterday, alongside 22-year-old Northern Irish striker Daniel Hughes who is on trial at Wanderers, but may not be involv

Hope this kid is good

it may take him a few matches to settle in as he won't get time to sit on the ball like over in portugal