Benfica eye Galatasaray star Yunus Akgun as right-wing reinforcement

Benfica are reportedly advancing interest in Galatasaray winger Yunus Akgun, with recent reports indicating a formal proposal on the table. The 25-year-old Turkish international, who signed a contract extension until 2029 with the Turkish champions, has emerged as a prime target to bolster the Eagles' attacking options.

Akgun has enjoyed an impressive 2025-26 season for Galatasaray, contributing 7 goals and 9 assists in 28 Super Lig appearances in 1,824 minutes. The left-footed player plays as a right winger but can also play on the left wing or as an attacking midfielder. His move could cost Benfica anywhere from €15 to €25 million.

 

At Benfica, Akgun could challenge or rotate with Dodi Lukebakio in the right-wing role, or push young Gianluca Prestianni for a starting spot at the club. His arrival would inject pace and directness into a squad aiming to return to glory in Portugal and make their return to the Champions League. With his prime years ahead and proven pedigree, Akgun represents a smart, high-upside investment for Benfica’s ambitious project.

Benfica target Shakhtar winger Lucas Ferreira for next season

Benfica are showing strong interest again in 20-year-old Brazilian winger Lucas Ferreira as they look to strengthen their attack for the 2026-27 season. The Eagles return back for the youngster after having their bid during the winter window rejected by the Ukrainian club and view the highly-rated Shakhtar Donetsk talent as an ideal replacement for departing players, drawn to his explosive pace, technical ability, and versatility on both wings.

Ferreira, who joined Shakhtar from Sao Paulo in August 2025 for €10 million, has impressed in his debut campaign. In the 2025-26 Ukrainian Premier League, the left-footed attacker has scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist in 15 appearances (around 562 minutes played). He has also contributed in European competitions. Shakhtar are demanding around €18 million to sell the player, whose contract runs until 2030.

Benfica may need to meet or approach Shakhtar's current valuation to secure the young talent, who represents a long-term investment with significant upside. Benfica's winter offer of €12 million was rejected by Shakhtar as manager Jose Mourinho hoped to add the player to the squad. With likely departures of Dodi Lukebakio and Bruma this summer, the club will be light on the wing side and want to add some talent to the current squad.

Benfica eye Saint-Etienne winger Zuriko Davitashvili amid strong competition

Benfica continue to show keen interest in Saint-Etienne winger Zuriko Davitashvili as they seek to bolster their attacking options for next season. The 25-year-old Georgian international was linked to the Lisbon side during the winter window and has been a standout performer in Ligue 2 during the 2025-26 season, contributing significantly to Saint-Etienne’s promotion push.

In 29 league appearances (24 starts), Davitashvili has notched an impressive 14 goals and 5 assists, adding another goal and assist in cup competitions. His market value could hover around €10 to €15 million, though Saint-Etienne who is holding a contract until 2028 with the player could go as high as demanding €20 million or more to part ways with their star man.

Other clubs circling the dynamic right-footed winger include Everton, Fenerbahce, Besiktas, Lille, Monaco, Olympiacos and Panathinaikos, creating would looks to be a competitive transfer market. 

Davitashvili excels with blistering pace, technical dribbling, has agility for quick direction changes and clinical finishing from wide areas or by cutting inside. His vision and creativity make him a constant threat on the field and earned him the Ligue 2 Player of the Season honors just last week. Although he can struggle in duels with stronger defenders and be inconsistent in decision making, adding Davitashvili would be a major coup by Benfica this summer.