What Benfica needs to do to sign Nelson Semedo in the summer

Benfica has been linked multiple times over the past few months with a return to the club by former Seixal academy graduate Nelson Semedo who will become a free agent at the conclusion of the season. Benfica are looking to shore up the right back position and Semedo could be the ideal solution to a position that needs an upgrade.

Here’s an analysis of what it would take for Benfica to secure his signature.

Negotiate a Pre-Contract Agreement:

Since Semedo’s contract with Wolves expires on June 30, 2025, Benfica can already be in negotiations for a pre-contract agreement with the player before season's end, as permitted by FIFA regulations for players in the final six months of their contracts. This would secure Semedo’s commitment to join Benfica without a transfer fee. 

Address Salary Constraints:

A significant hurdle is Semedo’s current salary at Wolves, reportedly £80,000 per week, which exceeds Benfica’s financial structure. Benfica would need to convince Semedo to accept a substantial pay cut to fit within their wage budget. Alternatively, they could explore creative contract structures, such as performance-based bonuses or a signing-on fee, to make the deal more attractive. 

Leverage Emotional and Professional Appeal: 

Semedo has expressed a lifelong connection to Benfica, stating his dream is to retire at the club. Benfica should emphasize this emotional tie, highlighting the opportunity to return to his boyhood club, play in the UEFA Champions League, and potentially end his career in Lisbon. The presence of former Wolves manager Bruno Lage, who knows Semedo well, could also be a persuasive factor.

Compete with Other Interested Clubs:

Benfica faces competition from clubs like Inter Milan, who could offer Semedo a role as a deputy to Denzel Dumfries, and potentially lucrative deals from Saudi Arabian clubs. Benfica must present a compelling case, focusing on playing time, leadership opportunities (Semedo is Wolves’ captain), and the chance to play in Europe’s elite competitions, which Wolves cannot offer. 

Plan for Squad Integration:

Benfica should assess how Semedo fits into their tactical setup under Bruno Lage, particularly as a solution for the right-back position. Portuguese media highlight Semedo’s experience, leadership, and versatility (ability to play on the left) as key strengths, making him a “perfect” fit. Ensuring a clear role for him, potentially as a starter, will be crucial to finalize the deal. 

Monitor Wolves’ Retention Efforts:

Wolves’ manager Vitor Pereira has expressed a desire to keep Semedo and there is some openness from Semedo to stay. Benfica should stay informed on any contract extension talks between Wolves and Semedo, as Wolves may try to retain him, especially given his importance as captain and his consistent performances. If Wolves fail to secure an extension, Benfica’s chances improve. 

By focusing on these steps - early negotiations, salary adjustments, leveraging Semedo’s emotional ties, outmaneuvering competitors, ensuring squad fit, and tracking Wolves’ moves—Benfica can maximize their chances of signing Nelson Semedo as a free agent in the summer of 2025.

Benfica linked again with Genk striker Tolu

Benfica is once again eyeing Tolu Arokodare, the talented striker from Genk, for a summer transfer. The Nigerian forward's impressive performances have caught the eye of top European clubs. Last season, Benfica showed interest in Arokodare, and now they may look to step up their pursuit when the transfer window opens this summer. 

The race for Arokodare has heated up with giants like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund also being linked with also making a move for the striker. Securing a young, scoring forward like Arokodare could boost Benfica’s attack and add long-term value to their squad.

Benfica's interest in Arokodare is not new. Several reports from last season confirmed the club had their eyes on the striker. They admired his physical presence, goal-scoring record, and age—just 24, with room to develop. Some sources even suggested lightweight negotiations with Genk about a possible deal. The club's scouts saw Arokodare as a player who could grow into a leading striker, fitting into Benfica's plans for their attacking line.
 

With the current form of starting XI striker Vangelis Pavlidis, Arokodare would be brought in to back up the Greek international but with Andrea Belotti and Zeki Amdouni loans coming to an end and Benfica looking to move on from Arthur Cabral, the club will need more fire power up front for next season.

Arokodare currently is the top scorer in the Belgian League this season with 17 goals and has scored 22 goals across all competitions while providing 7 helpers in 40 games of action. No dollar figures are yet being disclosed but Benfica may need to go as high as €20M to secure an agreement with Genk and get the player's signature.  

Benfica headed to their 39th Taca de Portugal Final

Benfica stamped their pass to the Taca de Portugal final on May 25, 2025, at the Jamor, where they will face cross-town rivals Sporting. Benfica will be looking to capture their 27th title and first since the 2016-17 season.

Benfica easily handled fourth division side Tirsense in the two leg affair, winning 9-0 on aggregate with scores of 5-0 and 4-0 in the contest. Benfica decided to rest just about all their starters for the second leg, which is important with four games left in the season and the club battling to capture the Portuguese title.

Hats off to Tirsense for making the semi-finals, but they were no match for Benfica, who totally outclassed them in the tie. Tirsense can take solace in the fact that they will receive over €50,000 for making the semi-final stage of the competition, which will go a long way towards the club's finances.

Benfica and Sporting will meet in their second consecutive competition final, having met earlier this year in the Taca da Liga Final that Benfica captured in January. The two club's are also level on points for the Portuguese title and have what may be a title deciding game in Week 33 at the Luz.