Benfica schedule of games for July released to fans

Benfica have released their upcoming schedule of games that include two high profile pre-season friendlies in the Algarve against Flamengo and Villarreal before beginning their 2026-27 Europa League second round of qualifying fixtures against Swiss side St. Gallen.

Benfica will take on Brazilian side Flamengo on July 11 and Spanish club Villarreal on July 17 in friendlies with both games taking place at the Estadio Algarve. There UEFA season will then commence as they face St. Gallen on July 23 in Switzerland in the first leg and will then play the second leg at the Luz on July 30.

With World Cup 2026 underway, Benfica will be short a host of regular players for all the games as new manager Marco Silva believes that all players participating at the World Cup deserve to have two weeks off after their country is finished playing at the competition.

Benfica will still have a handful of regulars available including any possible signings over the next month to chose from but expect to see some academy players be included in the squad for both the friendlies and Europa League games. 

The players at this time from last seasons squad that should be available for July set of games include:

Anatoliy Trubin, Antonio Silva, Samuel Dahl, Alexander Bah, Georgiy Sudakov, Manu, Leandro Barreiro, Rafa Silva, Vangelis Pavlidis and Franjo Ivanovic. Gianluca Prestianni is available but is currently suspended by UEFA.

Benfica inquires about free agent striker Mauro Icardi

Portuguese giants Benfica have made initial inquiries for experienced Argentine striker Mauro Icardi, who is set to become a free agent after spending the past three seasons Galatasaray. At 33, the prolific forward may look to be seeking a new challenge in a competitive European league and Benfica views him as a cost-effective, high-impact option to bolster their attacking line.

The Eagles are interested in Icardi’s proven goal-scoring instincts and with questions around squad depth, the need for a clinical No. 9 to compete in the Portuguese League and European competitions becomes all that more important. Signing the experienced Argentine on a free transfer would represent strong value. 

Icardi’s ability to hold up play, finish with both feet and perform in big matches aligns with Benfica’s ambitions for domestic dominance and deeper runs in European games. This past season with Galatasaray, Icardi delivered 16 goals and 3 assists across 47 appearances in all competitions. He netted 14 goals in 31 Super Lig matches, adding contributions in domestic cups while featuring in the UEFA Champions League.

Icardi began his senior career at Sampdoria before shining at Inter Milan, where he served as captain and became a fan favorite. He later moved to PSG and joined Galatasaray in 2023, initially on loan and has scored prolifically for the club with 77 goals in 134 appearances. Should negotiations progress, Benfica could secure a veteran finisher capable of immediate impact. Icardi’s salary demands could be an obstacle for Benfica, after earning slightly over €9 million with Galatasaray last season. 

Benfica eye Wolverhampton defender Toti Gomes as defensive reinforcement

Benfica have quietly been linked with interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back Toti Gomes amid potential defensive reshuffles at the Estadio da Luz this summer. The 27-year-old, who is Wolves' club captain is said to be looking to depart the Wolves after their relegation from the Premier League this past season. His emergence as a target for Benfica could have something to do with the possible exits of key defenders Tomas Araujo or Antonio Silva. Club captain Nico Otamendi is already set to depart the club when his contract ends at the end of this month.

Born in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, Toti began his youth career at Fontainhas (2014–2016), before moving to Cascais and then going to Estoril’s academy (2017–2018). He made his senior debut for Estoril in 2019, appearing in three league matches. In the summer of 2020, Wolves acquired him from Estoril for a measly €789K and loaned him to Swiss side Grasshoppers for the next two seasons where he excelled with 50 appearances and 3 goals, helping the club secure promotion from the Swiss Challenge League.

Since breaking into Wolves’ first team in 2022, Toti has amassed over 123 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals, while providing four helpers. A versatile left-footed defender who is capable of playing both centre-back or left-back, he scored his first Premier League goal in a 1-0 win over Aston Villa in 2023. Reliable and consistent, he earned the Wolves captaincy in August 2025 and has earned two senior caps for Portugal.

Benfica value his experience, leadership qualities and composure under pressure. New manager Marco Silva knows him well from opposing him in England. Toti would add depth to a squad lacking a veteran presence and is a perfect replacement for the departing Otamendi. He would bolster a backline aiming for success in both the Portuguese League and Europe. A return to Portugal might just be what the doctor orders for Toti, despite his past soft spot for rivals FC Porto.