Moroccan international midfielder Mehdi Carcela has joined Portuguese champions Benfica from Belgian club Standard Liege on a four-year deal.

Benfica confirmed the signing on their website of the 25-year-old, whose two spells at Standard came either side of a stint in Russia with Anzhi Makhachkala.

Carcela's arrival follows that of his compatriot Adel Taarabt, who signed on a five-year deal on Friday after being released by Queens Park Rangers.

Earlier this week, Benfica named Rui Vitoria as their new coach to replace Jorge Jesus, who departed for bitter rivals Sporting Lisbon.