Benfica linked again with pending Ajax free agent striker

Benfica have rekindled their interest in Dutch striker Wout Weghorst as the 33-year-old prepares to become a free agent with his Ajax contract set to expire on June 30, 2026. The experienced forward is attracting attention from several clubs, including a potential move under new club manager Marco Silva in Lisbon.

This past season playing for Ajax, Weghorst has contributed across all competitions, netting 9 goals while providing 4 assists in 34 appearances (2,193 minutes), primarily in the Eredivisie where he started 21 of 29 games. His physical presence, aerial ability, and hold-up play have provided a reliable focal point despite not hitting peak scoring form.

Weghorst came through the academy of amateur side NEO Borne before progressing via DETO and Willem II. His senior career has taken him across the Netherlands as well as Europe with Weghorst spending time at AZ Alkmaar, Wolfsburg, Burnley, with loans at Besiktas, Manchester United and Hoffenheim before returning home and signing on with Ajax in the summer of 2024.

Benfica view Weghorst as an ideal low risk reinforcement. With the potential departure of current striker Vangelis Pavlidis, his proven experience, leadership, and work rate would add another option up front in the attack. Jose Mourinho was reportedly drawn to his profile during the winter window as a target man capable of linking play and delivering in big moments. Now with Marco Silva at the helm, Weghorst's name is appearing once again alongside Benfica's shopping list and a free transfer would represent smart business for the Eagles who are seeking domestic and European competitiveness. 

Benfica show renewed interest in Lyon left back

Benfica are closely monitoring Lyon left-back Abner Vinicius, with the Brazilian defender viewed as a potential summer target. Lyon reportedly consider him negotiable, opening the door for negotiations as the Lisbon club seek to bolster their defensive options.

Benfica’s interest in the 26-year-old dates back several years. They had monitored him during his impressive spell at Athletico Paranaense, before he moved to Real Betis in January 2023. Abner eventually joined Lyon on in the summer of 2024 from Real Betis for €8 million and signed a five-year contract until 2029.

During the 2025-26 season, Abner established himself as a key player for Lyon. He featured prominently in Ligue 1 action, making 26 appearances and chipping in with 3 goals and 2 assists in 2,160 minutes. He provides attack with his pace, crossing and overlapping runs and is also strong in the defensive side of play. Abner appeared in 7 Europa Leage contests, scoring once while providing a helper.

A move to Benfica this summer could represent an exciting turn for Abner who is a proven talent with that fits Benfica’s model of signing high-potential South Americans who can thrive in Europe and deliver in Portuguese League and European competitions.

Benfica officially announces Marco Silva as new manager

In what turned into a whirlwind of developments in Portugal, Benfica has officially announced the appointment of Marco Silva as the club's new head coach. The move comes just hours after Jose Mourinho’s move to Real Madrid was made official, Real triggered the €15 million release clause following Florentino Perez’s re-election. Mourinho, who provided stability during his brief tenure at the Estadio da Luz, departs for a second spell with the Spanish giants. 

The 48 year old Silva returns to his homeland on a two-year contract with an option for a third year. The highly regarded Portuguese tactician leaves Fulham after five seasons, during which he transformed the Cottagers from Championship winners to a solid mid table Premier League side.

The move marks Silva’s first managerial role in Portugal since the 2014–15 season, when he guided Sporting to a third place finish in Portugal and captured the Taca de Portugal with Sporting, the club’s first major trophy in seven years. He had earlier success at Estoril which included promotion and a strong campaign in the top flight before his move to Sporting.

Throughout his career, Silva has secured three major trophies, the 2011–12 Portuguese Second divistion title with Estoril, the 2014–15 Taca de Portugal with Sporting and the 2015–16 Greek Super League title with Olympiacos. His track record also features strong Premier League performances and consistent player development.

Benfica fans can expect an energetic, attacking style from Silva, who favors a fluid 4-2-3-1 formation emphasizing quick transitions and high pressing. Known for tactical adaptability and man-management, he is expected to bridge the gap to rivals Sporting and FC Porto in next seasons title race while looking to make a mark in Europe. His return to Portugal injects fresh ambition into a Benfica side eager to reclaim domestic supremacy.

The appointment signals a new era at the club. With his proven ability to overachieve and deep knowledge of the Portuguese game, Marco Silva arrives as a pragmatic yet exciting choice to build on Mourinho’s foundations and the club's hope is for him to chase silverware immediately.