Benfica sells Rodrigo, Gomes' rights to firm

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Benfica says it has sold the rights to players Rodrigo Machado and Andrew Gomes to a private investment fund for a sum of 45 million euros ($60 million).

Benfica sold the players' rights to Meriton Capital Limited, which will immediately advance the club 30 million euros ($40 million) for Spanish striker Rodrigo and 15 million euros ($20 million) for Portuguese midfielder Gomes.

The Portuguese leaders say they have retained the sporting rights to the two players and stand to make an additional 10 million euros ($13.5 million) from Rodrigo through performance markers, and 25 percent of any future sale fee on Gomes.