Benfica close to finalizing new deal with Anisio Cabral

Benfica have been in talks with striker Anisio Cabral who turned 18 yesterday and are keen to sign a new contract with the youngster who is garnering the attention of some of Europe's big clubs.

Anisio's current contract has a €30 million release clause and the club is looking to increase the clause to €80 million to fend off interest and give themselves more negotiating power with any club that has interest in obtaining Anisio.

A new contract would include a significant increase in pay and likely extend to the summer of 2031. Anisio has appeared in minimal minutes with Benfica this year but has scored twice, including the game winner last weekend over Alverca.

Look for Benfica to announce the Anisio signing shortly, but the club is not done there as they are said to also be in talks with to extend with right back Daniel Banjaqui and left back Jose Neto.

Benfica win in the Azores as they get set for Real Madrid

In a thrilling clash today at the Estadio de Sao Miguel in the Azores, Benfica edged out Santa Clara 2-1 in Week 22 action. Vangelis Pavlidis scored his 20th league goal of the season to open the scoring for Benfica just 16 minutes into the game, Benfica would then get an own goal by Santa Clara defender Paulo Victor before the end of the first half.

Goncalo Paciencia pulled Santa Clara to within one goal just two minutes into the second half but Benfica held firm to earn the victory. The win comes at a crucial time of the season as Benfica get set for a two leg playoff showdown against Real Madrid in the Champions League with the first leg set to take place at the Luz on Tuesday with the second leg taking place at the Bernabeu on the 25th.

Benfica are coming off a 4-2 victory over Real in the final game of the league phase and the club should be buzzing with confidence going into the matchup. Mourinho is hoping to find the right formula as he looks to show that he still has his dominance in Europe's major competition. 

Is Ruben Amorim edging closer to Benfica post

Portuguese football is buzzing with an intriguing managerial domino effect that is potentially on the horizon. Reports indicate that Jose Mourinho, currently managing Benfica, is the front runner to become Portugal's national team manager after the 2026 World Cup.

With Roberto Martinez's contract set to expire following the tournament, the Portuguese Football Federation appears eager to appoint the "Special One" to lead the national side going forward.

The move would potentially reunite him with Cristiano Ronaldo for one last dance. If Mourinho departs Benfica for the international stage, Ruben Amorim's name has emerged as the prime candidate to take over for Mourinho at the club.

The 41-year-old, fresh off a challenging 14-month stint at Manchester United that ended in January 2026, retains strong support in his homeland. His successful trophy laden spell at rivals Sporting and his nine years as a Benfica player make him a sentimental yet strategic fit for the Eagles. 

This potential swap could revitalize both club and country, blending Mourinho's experience with Amorim's innovative tactics in a seamless Portuguese reshuffle that could turn the second half of 2026 on it's head.