Benfica refuse to give up in chase for Joao Palhinha

Benfica are refusing to give up on Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha. After the German champions rejected an initial loan proposal, the Portuguese giants structurally pivoted. Seeking to reinforce their squad under newly appointed manager Marco Silva, Benfica are preparing a permanent four-year contract, intending to split Bayern's required €25 million transfer fee across two seasons.

The 31-year-old Portugal international is eager to return home primarily for family reasons, as his young children reside with his ex-spouse in Portugal. Palhinha is said to be open to a salary reduction to move the deal forward. Furthermore, the move offers an attractive homecoming; Palhinha spent a portion of his youth career at the Lisbon club and remains highly motivated to reunite with Silva, his former manager at Fulham for two seasons.

Palhinha spent last season on loan with Tottenham, where he made forty-four appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals while providing two assists in 2,585 minutes of action. Palhinha was a key defensive cog in Tottenham's midfield and scored two massive game winning goals late in the season to help the Spurs secure a spot in the Premier League this season and avoid relegation.

Securing his signature will not be simple, as heavy competition looms abroad. Premier League side Newcastle United have established contact with Bayern, exploring a permanent deal to secure experienced midfield leadership. Additionally, Aston Villa were heavily involved in prolonged loan talks earlier this summer, while Sporting and Tottenham  have previously monitored the situation. Ultimately, Benfica are banking heavily on the midfielder's distinct personal preference to edge out financially superior English suitors and finalize a landmark return to his homeland. 

Benfica advance in Europa League and face AGF for place in league phase

Benfica have officially secured their passage into the final qualification stretch of the UEFA Europa League. The Eagles safely maneuvered through their second-leg encounter against Scotland’s Hearts, playing out a composed 1–1 draw at Tynecastle Park. The result comfortably cushioned their explosive 6–1 first-leg masterclass at the Estadio da Luz, finalizing a dominant 7–2 aggregate victory.

When the hosts threatened an unlikely comeback, winger Dodi Lukebakio struck a decisive equalizer to extinguish any Scottish hopes. Manager Marco Silva now shifts his tactical focus to the play-off round, where Danish outfit AGF Aarhus awaits. This upcoming two-legged battle represents the final barrier blocking Benfica's path to the tournament's newly formatted league phase.

The Portuguese giants will lean on their home faithful for the opening leg in Lisbon on August 20, before traveling to Denmark for the high-stakes return fixture at Ceres Park on August 27. With European ambitions hanging in the balance, maintaining this sharp momentum is paramount to a successful campaign. The loser of this tie automatically qualifies for the Conference League, league phase. 

Benfica hand the captain's arm band to Fredrik Aursnes

Benfica have appointed Norwegian midfielder Fredrik Aursnes as the club’s new captain for the 2026-27 season. The decision was confirmed by head coach Marco Silva during a press conference, marking a new leadership era at the Estadio da Luz.

Aursnes, who joined the club in 2022, becomes the 46th player to wear the captain’s armband in Benfica’s history, following a long line of leaders dating back to the early 1900s. He replaces long-serving Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi, who departed the club in the summer after serving as captain since 2022. Antonio Silva, who had occasionally worn the armband, also left for Bournemouth in the past week.

The new captaincy hierarchy sees Tomas Araújo as the primary vice-captain, followed by goalkeeper Samuel Soares, defender Clement Lenglet and midfielder Leandro Barreiro. Aursnes’ consistency, professionalism and experience make him a natural choice to lead the Eagles into the new campaign under Silva.