Benfica look towards Brazil and Gremio center back

Benfica are interested in Gremio center back Viery and are said to be the main European club in pursuit of the 21-year-old with a move potentially taking place this summer.

Viery has broken into Gremio's starting eleven this season and has impressed with his performances; the fact that he is a left-footed center back adds to his value. He is signed until 2029 and although the Brazilian club is open to selling, they have set a valuation on the player of €25 million for negotiations.

Benfica views the talent as a long-term investment to bolster their backline. However, Benfica does have competition, with Premier League sides Brighton and Newcastle also being linked to the player.

Benfica wants to secure the talented youngster before his valuation skyrockets. As the product of Gremio's youth system, Viery is the prototypical center back with composure on the ball, aerial strength and the versatility to play as a left back if needed. 

UEFA suspends Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for 6 games

UEFA has announced the suspension of Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for six matches following an incident against Real Madrid's Vinicious Junior in the first leg of their Champions League knockout play-off in February 2026. The 20-year-old Argentine was found guilty today of homophobic discriminatory conduct.

Vinicius had alleged he was subjected to racist abuse,  with teammate Kylian Mbappe claiming to have overheard the repeated insults. The match was halted briefly amid the claims. Prestianni denied using racial slurs towards anyone and in his meeting with UEFA admitted the words used were homophobic rather than racist.

After completing their investigation UEFA handed Prestianni a six-match ban for homophobic conduct. Three of those matches are suspended subject to a two-year probationary period. Prestianni has already served one game, having missed the second leg against Real Madrid and will be subject to sit two more UEFA matches. 

Benfica interested in Palmeiras striker for summer move

Benfica have emerged as serious contenders for Palmeiras striker Flaco Lopez, with reports indicating the Portuguese club is weighing a summer move for the 25-year-old Argentine striker as Jose Mourinho is said to be a big fan of the player.

Under Abel Ferreira at Palmeiras, Lopez has flourished as a versatile centre-forward capable of dropping deep or leading the line. His impressive form has caught the eye of European scouts, positioning him as a potential reinforcement for Benfica’s attack. Palmeiras value Flaco very highly and are said to want as much as €40 million to move on for the player, reflecting his contract until 2029 and strong recent performances.

Interest in Flaco Lopez extends beyond Benfica, with Bologna and Atletico Madrid also monitoring the striker, while Premier League sides like Brentford and Everton have made enquiries, highlighting his growing reputation across Europe. In 2026, Flaco has scored 9 goals and provided 6 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions, including solid contributions in the Serie A Brasileiro and the Copa Libertadores.

Last Season Flaco had an excellent campaign with 25 goals and 6 assists in 64 matches, cementing his status as one of South America’s rising strikers and earning his first call up to Argentina's national side in October 2025. With his physical presence, finishing, and link-up play, Flaco Lopez could be a smart addition for Benfica if they meet Palmeiras’ valuation. A move to Europe seems likely with a destination still unknown.