Portuguese side, SL Benfica look into the future as they sign on young Ghana international defender, Jerry Akaminko before the European transfer window shuts at midnight on Wednesday.

Benfica, who are five points adrift league leaders FC Porto, are keen to see the young defender develop through the club’s youth ranks.

The three and half year deal would see the 19-year-old stay at the Estádio do Dragão until 2010.

The former junior national team captain joins Benfica from local side, Kpando Heart of Lions.

Jerry Akaminko would be joining the club’s junior team and could be handed his Benfica debut on Saturday in the Portuguese junior league but would not be expected to feature in the UEFA Cup Round of 32 tie against FC Dinamo 1948 Bucuresti next month.

The central defender, a key figure in the set up of Heart of Lions has risen through Ghana’s junior teams having played for the Black Starlets, Black Satellites and now with the Olympic team, the Black Meteors.