Lazar Markovic's situation has always been more than a little bit confusing. For months before his transfer to Benfica, the Serbian press insisted he was joining Chelsea, and even after it became clear that the Portuguese outfit had signed him on a permanent deal they were insisting that the Blues were somehow involved. As it turns out, they were correct:

The confusing Markovic Benfica/Chelsea ownership situation is explained in today's @Record_Portugal. Benfica own 50%, a fund 50% but... — Tom Kundert (@Portu_Goal) February 26, 2014

..Chelsea have option to buy Benfica's 50% share (which cost Benfica €6.5m) for just €7.5m. If Benfica sell to other club can set any price. — Tom Kundert (@Portu_Goal) February 26, 2014

All of which means that Markovic is essentially parked at the Estadio da Luz until he becomes good enough to be worth Chelsea buying him for what should amount to 15 million (or doesn't, in which case it's not really our problem). It's a strange way of doing business -- the negotiations for a permanent deal don't often involve three teams, as this one must have -- but it's a fascinating one, and I'm curious to see how it turns out.

Oh, and if you wanted to see the 19-year-old in action, here's a fun one for you: