Marco Silva wants to bring Fulham star to Lisbon with him

Benfica are on the verge of securing Marco Silva as their new head coach, following Jose Mourinho’s imminent departure to Real Madrid. Fulham confirmed this week that Silva will leave Craven Cottage after five successful seasons, paving the way for his return to Portugal.

The 48-year-old Portuguese tactician has reportedly agreed a two-year deal with an option for a third at the Estadio da Luz, positioning him as Mourinho’s successor. Mourinho, who guided Benfica to a third-place finish and Europa League qualification this season, has reportedly signed a contract to return to the Santiago Bernabeu. His formal unveiling is expected after Real Madrid’s presidential election.

Silva’s appointment marks a homecoming for the former right-back, who built a solid reputation in England by leading Fulham from the Championship to stable Premier League status. Benfica fans are optimistic about his attacking philosophy and tactical discipline aligning with the club’s ambitions to challenge rivals FC Porto and Sporting. In a notable early move, sources indicate Silva is eager to reunite with Fulham winger Harry Wilson. The Welsh international, whose contract expires this summer, is set to become a free agent. Silva views the 28-year-old as a key addition to bolster Benfica’s wide options and inject creativity into the attack. Wilson’s pace, crossing ability, and Premier League experience could prove valuable in European competitions. 

Negotiations are advancing rapidly, with an official announcement anticipated soon. Silva’s arrival signals a new era at Benfica as they aim to reclaim domestic dominance and have a great season in Europe's second class competition.
  

Benfica pressing for Wolfsburg striker Dzenan Pejcinovic

Benfica have emerged as one of the front runners to acquire 21-year-old Wolfsburg striker Dzenan Pejcinovic, according to reports from German sports magazine Kicker. The German-Montenegrin forward has impressed despite Wolfsburg’s relegation from the Bundesliga, sparking significant transfer interest.

Benfica have tabled a substantial offer, positioning them ahead of other suitors. However, domestic clubs including Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt and Freiburg are also monitoring the tall, powerful centre-forward. Pejcinovic's preference is to remain in Germany and ideally in the Bundesliga next season.

Wolfsburg's preference is to retain Pejcinovic, who they view as a key to an immediate promotion to the Bundesliga and are demanding well over €20 million for the player who has a contract until 2029.

Born in Munich, Pejcinovic came through Bayern Munich’s youth ranks before moving to Augsburg in 2017. Wolfsburg signed him in the summer of 2022 for €1.25M. 

Pejcinovic spent time on loan at Fortuna Düsseldorf during the 2024-25 seson, before returning to the Bundesliga during this past season, scoring 8 goals in 30 appearances and 12 goals across all competitions. The German U21 international offers physical presence, clinical finishing, and strong aerial ability. Pejcinovic is one of Germany’s brighter young strikers and his future could pass through Lisbon if Benfica gets the right price.

Benfica needs to let Samuel Soares take over in net if Trubin departs

As summer transfer speculation swirls around Anatoliy Trubin’s potential move to Tottenham Hotspur, Benfica needs to stand ready to elevate homegrown talent Samuel Soares to the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper position. The 23-year-old academy product, born on 15 June 2002 in Amadora, represents the club’s commitment to youth development and should be given every opportunity to finally claim the gloves on a permanent basis.

Standing at 1.90m, Soares joined Benfica’s setup in 2013 after starting at local club Tires. He rose through the ranks impressively, playing a starring role in the 2021-22 UEFA Youth League triumph, where Benfica's U19 squad defeated Red Bull Salzburg 6-0 in the final. He also helped secure the 2022 U20 Intercontinental Cup against Penarol. 

Soares has made 22 Portuguese League appearances for Benfica’s first team, across all competitions, showing composure and shot-stopping ability. In 2025-26, he featured in league and cup matches and provided five clean sheets in just six games of action. With Benfica B, he has logged 32 career games in the Second Division and earned Goalkeeper of the Month honours for October/November 2022.

Internationally, the Portugal U21 regular boasts 17 caps (as of mid-2025). He debuted in June 2022 in a 5-1 qualifier win over Belarus and represented his country at the 2023 UEFA European U21 Championship. Earlier youth levels add dozens of caps across U15 to U20 squads.

Samuel Soares’ promotion would mark a full-circle moment for the academy graduate. Athletic, reliable under pressure, and steeped in Benfica DNA, he embodies the club’s future between the posts. Fans and coaches need to see him as ready to lead the line in Europe and domestically. 

With a contract until the summer of 2027, Soares’ ascent could stabilize the goalkeeping department while showcasing Benfica’s renowned academy. The Eagles’ faithful should eagerly anticipate a changing of the guard as this local hero potentially takes flight as the Lisbon sides No. 1 keeper.