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.

Benfica will need to move quick if they are to land Portuguese international

Benfica are moving forward in negotiations to sign Portuguese defensive midfielder Samu Costa from Mallorca, according to multiple reports. The 25-year-old has emerged as a prime target for the Eagles as they look to bolster their midfield ahead of the upcoming new season.

Samu, a combative and technically gifted player, offers the physicality, tactical intelligence, and ball-winning ability that Benfica covet. His performances have drawn comparisons to top defensive midfielders, making him an ideal fit for a club seeking to dominate domestically and compete in Europe. His recent call-up to Portugal’s squad for the 2026 World Cup further enhances his appeal.

Mallorca’s relegation from La Liga at the end of the 2025-26 season has accelerated Costa’s likely departure. Facing financial pressures in the second tier, the island club is expected to cash in on some of their key assets. Samu, who joined Mallorca from Almeria in the summer of 2023 for €3 million, is now valued significantly higher, with reports suggesting a fee in the region of €12-15 million plus add-ons.

Born in Aveiro, Portugal, Samu's youth career began at Beira-Mar (2008–2013), followed by stints at Gafanha and Palmeiras in Portugal, before joining Braga’s academy in the summer of 2016. He progressed to Braga B and made his senior debut with Braga before a successful loan and permanent move to Almeria, where he impressed with over 100 appearances for the club.

A move to Benfica could prove transformative but Benfica know that there will be a lot of eyes watching World Cup 2026 and a strong performance by Samu at the competition could see his price tag soar. This would introduce higher profile clubs with more resources then what the Lisbon club could offer. Missing out on the Champions League next season is doing the club no favours when looking to attract some top signings for next season like Samu.