Benfica looking to make moves as window gets set to close

As the summer transfer window prepares to slam shut, SL Benfica is racing against the clock. Club president Rui Costa has acknowledged that the squad is not yet finalized. Under new manager Marco Silva, the Portuguese giants are orchestrating key final maneuvers to perfect their roster.

The Target Arrivals 

Benfica is heavily prioritizing creative midfield reinforcement before tomorrow's deadline. Negotiations are rapidly progressing with Manchester City to secure a loan deal for attacking midfielder Claudio Echeverri. The 20-year-old Argentine playmaker is highly sought after to add attacking flair to the squad. Additionally, Benfica has explored a move for Almeria's Sergio Arribas and has also been linked with a late push for Wolves defender Hugo Bueno. The club is also close to announcing the acquisition of left back Souffian El Karouani. These potential additions follow the major permanent signings of Joao Palhinha and defender Alessandro Circati earlier in the month.

Potential Departures 

To balance the books and streamline the squad, several exits are also being mapped out. Midfielder Richard Rios is the subject of heavy interest from English side Hull City, who submitted a €30 million opening bid. Ríos is reportedly eager for a Premier League move. There are also indications that goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin could be moved on if a suitable offer materializes. The club is also listening to offers for winger Dodi Lukebakio. Meanwhile, the club has fought off interest for winger Andreas Schjelderup, with Silva viewing him as essential for the campaign ahead. 

Although the Portuguese League window closes on September 15, the majority of leagues will be closing in the next 96 hours. Benfica's hierarchy faces intense pressure to lock down these crucial incoming and outgoing deals as they turn their attention to the season ahead. 

Benfica kick doors open into league phase of Europa League

 

Benfica have punched their ticket to the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League league phase following a dominant qualifying campaign.

The Road to the League Phase

The Portuguese side kicked off their European journey in the second qualifying round against Swiss club St. Gallen. Despite a tight 2–1 away loss in the first leg, Benfica roared back with a dominant 5–0 home victory at the Estadio da Luz to advance 6–2 on aggregate. 

In the third qualifying round, Benfica dismantled Scottish club Heart of Midlothian 7–2 on aggregate, fueled by a resounding 6–1 home victory. They followed up in the play-off round by eliminating Danish side AGF Aarhus 6–2 on aggregate, sealing their progression with a 3–1 away win in Denmark.

This marks Benfica's return to the competition since the 2023/24 season, where they reached the quarter-finals.

League Phase Schedule & Opponents 

Following the draw in Monaco, Benfica's eight unique opponents are set for the formatted 36-team single league phase. They will play four fixtures at home and four on the road. The dates and times of the games will be announced on the next few days with the competition commencing on September 16 or 17.

Benfica's opponents:

Home: AZ Alkmaar, Celtic, Lech Poznan, OFI Crete

Away: AC Milan, Viktoria Plzen, Omonia, NEC Nijmegen 

Strength of Schedule Analysis

Benfica face a highly manageable path with a trip to Italy to take on Ruben Amorim's AC Milan being the toughest game of the league phase on paper.

Benfica have a great opportunity to maximize points in front of their home fans with the schedule presented and will need to navigate their road fixtures. Odds makers have the club as 20-1 favourites to capture the Europa League crown which places them in ninth among the thirty-six entrants.

With a deeply talented squad and a highly favorable fixture list, the Eagles are well-equipped to make a deep run. This tournament represents the perfect stage for Benfica to reassert their status as a dominant force in European football.

Benfica turn to left back for their next reinforcement

Benfica have turned their full attention to landing a new left-back before the summer transfer window slams shut, immediately following their blockbuster signing of midfielder Joao Palhinha today. With the defensive midfield role securely reinforced by the €14 million acquisition from Bayern Munich, manager Marco Silva wants to add experienced depth at the left back position. The player should be able to provide a different style than current starting left back Samuel Dahl.

The Eagles have actively explored a sensational move for Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, weighing up a potential €20 million bid to pride him away from Spain. However, with a deal for Balde increasingly viewed as unlikely due to valuation gaps, Benfica are simultaneously keeping other options warm. The club is evaluating late market alternatives to ensure they bring in a robust competitor before the deadline passes.

One of the names that has popped up in the last 48 hours is Al-Qadsiah left back Souffian El Karouani who has been left out of match day squads due to the Saudi league having limits on foreign players dressed for league games. Al-Qadsiah are said to be open to a loan or permanent transfer of the player. This situation could present an ideal opportunity for Benfica to secure a player who logged a staggering 18 assists at Utrecht last season.

Currently, Benfica is relying on youth academy prospect Jose Neto to back up Dahl and although they also have Rafael Obrador on the books, he has been loaned out again for the season. Benfica manager Marco Silva is hoping that the club can bring in a quality back over the next couple of weeks. Could free agent Portuguese international Raphael Guerreiro's name enter the mix... we shall see.