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.

Benfica finish league season undefeated but its a total disappointment

In a campaign defined by remarkable consistency yet haunted by missed opportunities, Benfica completed the 2025-26 Portuguese League season undefeated but finished a shocking third place, condemning them to the UEFA Europa League next season. The Eagles played 34 matches without defeat, recording 23 wins and 11 draws for 80 points. Yet rivals FC Porto (88 points) and Sporting (82 points) edged them out for the top two spots.

Despite the unbeaten run, a feat that would normally guarantee silverware, Benfica's inability to convert dominance into victories against more opposition proved costly. Fans watched in frustration as several draws against mid-table sides proved decisive. The disappointment is compounded by major off-field uncertainty. Manager Jose Mourinho, who returned to Portuguese football with high expectations, is strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid. Los Blancos are reportedly preparing a lucrative offer to bring the "Special One" back to La Liga amid their own transitional period. Mourinho's departure would mark another turbulent chapter for Benfica. 

Adding to the turmoil, veteran defender and team captain Nicolas Otamendi will not renew his contract and leave the club this summer for River Plate, creating a significant void in the heart of the backline. The 38 year-old Argentine World Cup winner, a pillar of Benfica's defense for the past five seasons will need to be replaced by another veteran center back who can provide a calming presence to their young backline. 

Club president Rui Costa faces mounting pressure to stabilize the squad. While the unbeaten record offers pride, third place and European demotion represent a sobering reality of how it does not mean a thing. Benfica must now regroup for the 2026-27 season quickly if they hope to turn historic resilience into future silverware and a return back to Europe's top competition.