Benfica have completed the signing of German veteran defender Jan-Niklas Beste to bolster their defense in the upcoming season.
In what is being hailed as a transfer coup for Benfica, the Portuguese club have signed Jan-Niklas Beste from Heidenheim to bolster their defense under manager Roger Schmidt.
The 25-year-old German winger caught the eye of several clubs with his impressive performances last season, scoring 8 goals and providing four assists across all competitions for Heidenheim.
Despite interest from clubs in Italy and Spain, Beste ultimately chose Benfica as his next destination.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Jan-Niklas Beste signing
Meanwhile, Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also confirmed the deal on his X page.
With his contract at Heidenheim running until 2025, the German club agreed to a lucrative deal with Benfica to secure his services according to Romano.
Romano wrote: “Jan-Niklas Beste to Benfica, here we go! Deal agreed for German wing back who’s gonna be new LB for Roger Schmidt.”
Beste has already arrived in Lisbon to undergo medical tests and is expected to sign a five-year deal with the Portuguese giants.
The Italian journalist added: “Beste, already in Lisbon to undergo medical tests as he will sign five year deal at Benfica.”
“8 goals, 13 assists at Heidenheim for Beste last season.”
His arrival is seen as a significant boost for Schmidt’s defensive lineup, with Beste’s versatility and attacking prowess expected to add a new dimension to Benfica’s play.
Being prone to a 4-2-3-1, utilizing dynamic attacking movement, and intense pressing, Beste will surely fit in well in Schmidt’s defense lineup.
Beste joined Heidenheim in 2022 for €950k after failing to break through at Werder Bremen.
The 25-year-old German is a product of the Borussia Dortmund youth system but joined Bremen in 2018 after also failing to make an impact in Dortmund.
Fans are eagerly anticipating Beste’s debut in the famous red jersey, hoping that he can make an immediate impact and help Benfica challenge for silverware in the upcoming season.
Jan-Niklas Beste career
At just eight years old, Beste began his journey with Borussia Dortmund before making his competitive senior squad debut on 12 August 2017 against Rielasingen-Arlen in the 2017–18 DFB-Pokal.
Despite playing in pre-season friendlies, he spent the remainder of the season with the Under-19 squad.
In July 2018, Beste made the move to Werder Bremen where he started off with the reserves team.
A year later, he was loaned out to FC Emmen in the Netherlands for the 2019–20 Eredivisie season, making his debut against Willem II on 24 August 2019.
Following his time with Emmen, Beste embarked on another loan spell in July 2020, this time joining SSV Jahn Regensburg for two seasons before signing a three-year contract with 1. FC Heidenheim on 15 June 2022.
On 26 August 2023, he made history by scoring his club’s first-ever Bundesliga goal from a free-kick in a 3–2 home defeat.
Jan-Niklas Beste’s age and height
Jan-Niklas Beste was born on the 4th of January 1999, he is currently 25 years old. Beste is 1.74 m tall.
His salary
The 25-year-old earns a gross base salary of €290,000 equivalent of €5,577 per week, not including bonuses.
