Lisbon, Aug 1 (IANS): Portuguese football side Benfica have announced the signing of FC Twente winger Bilal Ould-Chikh for five seasons in a free transfer after his contract expired with the Dutch team.

"I know that Benfica are a big club, the Portuguese champions, with many good players and performing in the Champions League," Efe quoted the winger as saying on Friday.

"It's a great stadium. It's a dream for a young guy to play in this stadium... I'm happy to be here. I came to learn and evolve with players of great experience and knowledge," the 18-year-old said.

Bilal, who was born in the Dutch city of Roosendaal and has dual citizenship from the Netherlands and Morocco, made his debut in the Eredivisie with Twente in May 2014.

Last season, he played 18 games in the Eredivisie and scored one goal.

Bilal also plays with the Dutch Under-19 team, as he participated in the UEFA European Championship held in Greece in July.