Canceloto joins Valencia on permanent deal from Benfica

Football clubs Valencia and Benfica have reached an agreement for the transfer of the latter's right-back Joao Canceloto to the Spanish club where he was already playing on loan this season.

Benfica announced Canceloto's transfer to the 'Bats' on Monday, after spending his prime years - between the age of 14 and 19 - with Benfica B. Canceloto, 20, was on loan to Valencia last summer, when he played 10 La Liga games, five as a starter, while he featured in three Copa del Rey matches, reports Efe.

The Portuguese right-back, who turns 21 on Wednesday, will head to the United States, as Valencia will sign a sponsorship agreement in the United Nations headquarters on Tuesday, as well as playing a friendly match on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Valencia confirmed Canceloto's signing for six seasons, until 2021.

"I am very happy to continue at Valencia, whom I hope to help for a long time to come. I will always carry Benfica in my heart, but now my biggest dream is to continue giving my best for Valencia CF, growing with the team and repaying the great confidence that the club have shown in me," the player said.