Benfica look to snag Uribe from FC Porto

According to reports coming out of Mexico, Benfica are looking to get the edge over FC Porto in acquiring Club America play making midfielder Mateus Uribe. The 28 year old Uribe had a strong performance in the recent Copa America for Colombia and has been gathering interest from a host of European clubs. Benfica most recently had a deal with Club America in January of this year when they sold striker Nico Castillo for €7.5M, part of that debt is still outstanding and Club America could look at a deal with Benfica as a way to settle the remaining debt. Uribe has been a member of Club America since the summer of 2017 and appeared in 40 games across all competitions last season scoring three times.

Benfica finish the ICC with a perfect record

Benfica have completed their participation in this seasons International Champions Cup, going a perfect three for three and on the cusp of winning this summers season title. Benfica opened the competition with a convincing 3-0 victory over Mexican side Guadalajara at California's Levi's Stadium.. Raul de Tomas, Rafa Silva and Seferovic scored the markers for the Lisbon side. Benfica next faced Italian side Fiorentina at Red Bull Arena the home of MLS club New York Red Bull, the club needed an injury time goal from newly acquired Caio Lucas to win 2-1, Seferovic opened the scoring early in this game. Benfica then travelled to New England Patriots' Gillette Stadium where they faced another Italian club in AC Milan. Benfica's slow start almost cost the club their perfect bid but a lucky second half goal by Taarabt that took a deflection into the goal off a Milan player earned Benfica the 1-0 victory. Benfica are at least guaranteed second spot and only a Manchester United victory over AC Milan by three or more goals would take the ICC title away from Benfica.

Wolverhampton make offers for two Benfica players

Wolverhampton have returned to Portugal were they have their eyes set on the pair of Benfica youngsters. The Wolves are said to have made offers to the Lisbon club for both central defender Ruben Dias and midfielder Gedson Fernandes. Benfica President Luis Filipe Vieira has no interest in letting either player go at this time and Wolverhampton would need to meet the players buy out clauses if they are to acquire either player. Ruben Dias' current buy out clause is €66M but Benfica are currently in negotiations with the player to sign a new contract with an increased salary and the new contract would include a buy out clause of €88M. Gedson Fernandes negotiated a new contract with Benfica last summer and holds a €120M buy out, it would be safe to say that Wolverhampton may not be looking to spend €186M to acquire both players and are hoping to negotiate a smaller buy price.

Benfica look to add another striker to the fold

Benfica look to not have closed their doors on adding another striker as the club has inquired about Freiburg's Luca Waldschmidt. Benfica have already acquired strikers Raul de Tomas, Jhonder Cadiz and Carlos Vinicius during the summer transfer window to date but are also interested in adding the 2018 Euro U21 leading goal scorer. The 23 year old Waldschmidt arrived at Freiburg last summer from Hamburger for €5.7M and scored nine times across all competitions while appearing in 32 games. The clubs have yet to have any serious discussions about the striker and any talks are at the preliminary stage at this time but Waldshmidt is valued at around the €12M mark.

Nuno Tavares looks set to remain with main squad

Benfica are about to completing their preseason schedule and will be heading back to Portugal from America to prepare for next weekends Super Cup were they will face arch rivals Sporting. Bruno Lage has said all pre-season that he prefers to work with a smaller main squad then what has been seen in seasons past. One youngster that looks set to open the season with the main squad is 19 year old wing back Nuno Tavares. Tavares has been used on both the right and left back positions during pre-season games and should be slotted in as the back up left back to starter Alex Grimaldo. Tavares split last season between Benfica B and the clubs under 19 entry in the UEFA Youth League. Tavares appeared in 19 total games, producing three helpers. Club fans need not worry as Tavares will be set up to play occasional games with the B squad to maintain his match fitness.

The all time appearance leaders in Benfica history

This blog takes a look into Benfica's history of player appearances in all competitions, the Top 40 players of all time in Benfica's over 100 years of history are below.

1.  Nene (1968-1986) Total Appearances: 575
2.  Antonio Veloso (1980-1995) Total Appearances: 538
3.  Luisao (2003-2018) Total Appearances: 538
4.  Mario Coluna (1954-1970) Total Appearances: 525
5.  Humberto Coelho (1968-1975) (1977-1984) Total Appearances: 498
6.  Sheu (1972-1989) Total Appearances: 487
7.  Manuel Bento (1972-1990) Total Appearances: 465
8.  Antonio Simoes (1961-1975) Total Appearances: 447
9.  Eusebio (1960-1975) Total Appearances: 440
10.  Cavem (1954-1970) Total Appearances: 416
11.  Francisco Ferreira (1938-1952) Total Appearances: 398
12.  Nuno Gomes (1997-2000) (2002-2011) Total Appearances: 398
13.  Toni (1968-1981) Total Appearances: 392
14.  Bastos Lopes (1972-1987) Total Appearances: 391
15.  Jose Aguias (1950-1963) Total Appearances: 383
16.  Jose Augusto (1959-1970)  Total Appearances: 369
17.  Alberto Pereira (1954-1967) Total Appearances: 359
18.  Fernando Cruz (1959-1970) Total Appearances: 344
19.  Francisco Albino (1932-1945) Total Appearances: 343
20.  Maxi Pereira (2007-2015) Total Appearances: 333



21.  Rodrigo Pipi (1942-1954) Total Appearances: 320
22.  Gaspar Pinto (1934-1946) Total Appearances: 318
23.  Carlos Manuel (1979-1988) Total Appearances: 318
24.  Minervino Pietra (1976-1986) Total Appearances: 313
25.  Fernando Chalana (1975-1984) (1987-1990) Total Appearances: 310
26.  Diamantino Miranda (1978-1980) (1982-1990) Total Appearances: 302
27.  Joao Pinto (1992-2000) Total Appearances: 302
28.  Arsenio Duarte (1943-1955) Total Appearances: 299
29.  Jose Henrique (1966-1979) Total Appearances: 299
30.  Oscar Cardozo (2007-2014) Total Appearances: 293
31.  Vitor Paneira (1988-1995) Total Appearances: 288
32.  Angelo Martins (1952-1965) Total Appearances: 285
33.  Artur Santos (1950-1961) Total Appearances: 284
34.  Francisco Moreira (1944-1954) Total Appearances: 266
35.  Eduardo Salvio (2010-2011) (2012-2018) Total Appearances: 266
36.  Antonio Martins (1938-1947) Total Appearances: 265
37.  Alfredo Valadas (1934-1944) Total Appearances: 264
38.  Silvino Louro (1986-1994) Total Appearances: 263
39.  Alvaro Magalhaes (1981-1990) Total Appearances: 261
40.  Jose Torres (1959-1971) Total Appearances: 259

Benfica linked with Sevilla keeper

Benfica continue their search for a keeper and have now turned their attention to Sevilla netminder Sergio Rico. Rico spent last season on loan in the Premier League with Fulham appearing in 29 league games and posting five clean sheets on the second worst team in the English league. The 25 year old Rico has come through Sevilla's youth ranks and appeared in one game for the Spanish national side. Benfica have been looking to sign a goaltender all summer to battle with current number one Vladchodimos and were a failed physical away from acquiring Juventus' Mattia Perin Benfica have also been recently linked to Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet and Robin Olsen from Roma.

Benfica season opening game is set

The Portuguese league's first week schedule was released on Tuesday and Benfica's opening game time and date is now set. Benfica will open their Portuguese league season on August 10 at 9:30pm WEST at the Estadio da Luz against newly promoted Pacos Ferreira. Benfica will be looking to defend and win their league leading 38th championship this season as Bruno Lage looks to complete his first full season as the clubs manager. 

Joao Ferreira move could still be on to Juventus

Benfica and Juventus are still discussing a move of right back Joao Ferreira to the Turin club even with the failure of the two clubs closing a move for keeper Mattia Perin due to his failed physical. Benfica are still open to moving the 18 year old Ferreira to Juventus for €5M but have insisted on maintaining 50% of the players rights for any future sale by Juventus. Ferreira is currently with Benfica in America as the club competes in the Internantional Champions Cup.

Benfica continue search for goalkeeper

Benfica though last week that they had acquired Juventus keeper Mattia Perin, that is until the Italian keeper arrived in Lisbon and failed a medical badly throwing the whole transfer situation into doubt. The original though was that Benfica would wait for Perin to recover from injury at Juventus and finalize the transfer in January but reports out of Portugal this week have Benfica back out in search of a goalkeeper to battle Greek International Vladchodimos for the starting role. Bruno Lage has been preaching this summer that he does not want his starters to feel comfortable and wants to have someone that is ready to take over a starting role if the starter under performs. Benfica are being linked with Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet and Robin Olsen of Roma.

Clubs circle Benfica for Franco Cervi

Benfica have had clubs contact them about the availability of midfielder Franco Cervi. According to reports in Portugal, Benfica have been contacted by Italian club Atalanta and Argentinian side Boca Juniors about a loan move for the 25 year old. Cervi is currently with the club in America as they participate in the International Champions Cup and has been a member of Benfica since being acquired from Rosario Central in the summer of 2016. Cervi has appeared in 116 games for Benfica since his arrival in all competitions and has scored 16 goals while adding 22 assists. Cervi is a hard working midfielder on both sides of the pitch and Benfica would require a format-table offer to part with Cervi.

The all time leading goal scorers in Benfica history

As the season slowly closes in for the 2019/20 season, I take a look at Benfica's all time leading scorers in all competitions since the inception of the club in 1904.

Updated August 25, 2020

1.  Eusebio (1961-1975) Games Played: 440 Goals: 473
2.  Jose Aguas (1950-1963) Games Played: 383 Goals: 379
3.  Nene (1968-1986) Games Played: 575 Goals: 360
4.  Jose Torres (1959-1971) Games Played: 259 Goals: 226
5.  Arsenio (1943-1955) Games Played: 299 Goals: 220
6.  Rogerio Pippi (1942-1947) (1947-1954) Games Played: 320 Goals: 212
7.  Julinho (1942-1951) (1952-1953) Games Played: 200 Goals: 205
8.  Jose Augusto (1959-1970) Games Played: 369 Goals: 175
9.  Oscar Cardozo (2007-2014) Games Played: 293 Goals: 172
10.  Nuno Gomes (1997-2000) (2002-2011) Games Played: 398 Goals: 166
11.  Alfredo Valadas (1934-1944) Games Played: 264 Goals: 158
12.  Guilherme Santo (1936-1950) Games Played: 211 Goals: 152
13.  Jonas (2014-2019) Games Played: 183 Goals: 137
14.  Mario Coluna (1954-1970) Games Played: 525 Goals: 127
15.  Vitor Silva (1927-1936) Games Played: 132 Goals: 108
16.  Domiciano Cavem (1954-1970) Games Played: 416 Goals: 106
17.  Artur Jorge (1969-1975) Games Played: 130 Goals: 105
18.  Rui Aguas (1985-1988) (1990-1994) Games Played: 237 Goals: 104
19.  Rogerio Sousa (1932-1940) Games Played: 168 Goals: 100
20.  Francisco Rodrigues (1939-1942) Games Played: 88 Goals: 99



21.  Simao Sabrosa (2001-2007) Games Played: 230 Goals: 94
22.  Joao Pinto (1992-2000) Games Played: 302 Goals: 90
23.  Mats Magnussen (1987-1992) Games Played: 164 Goals: 84
24.  Diamantino (1978-1980) (1982-1990) Games Played: 302 Goals: 83
25.  Rui Jordao (1971-1976) Games Played: 127 Goals: 81
26.  Humberto Coelho (1968-1975) (1977-1984) Games Played: 498 Goals: 81
27.  Joaquim Santana (1956-1967) Games Played: 161 Goals: 79
28.  Pizzi (2014-Present) Games Played: 281 Goals: 75
29.  Michael Manniche (1983-1987) Games Played: 132 Goals: 75 
30.  Antonio Simoes (1961-1975) Games Played: 447 Goals: 72
31.  Isaias (1990-1995) Games Played: 178 Goals: 71
32.  Lima (2012-2015) Games Played: 144 Goals: 70
33.  Vitor Baptista (1971-1977) Games Played: 151 Goals: 63
34.  Eduardo Salvio (2010-2011) (2012-2019) Games Played: 266 Goals: 62
35.  Reinaldo Gomes (1978-1982) Games Played: 117 Goals: 59
36.  Carlos Manuel (1979-1988) Games Played: 318 Goals: 58
37.  Eduardo Corona (1946-1953) Games Played: 127 Goals: 57
38.  Mitroglou (2015-2017) Games Played: 88 Goals: 52
39.  Manuel Da Costa (1941-1945) Games Played: 74 Goals: 49
40.  Antonio Pacheco (1987-1993) Games Played: 218 Goals: 48

Andre Carrillo moving permanently to Al-Hilal

Andre Carrillo will become a permanent member of club Al-Hilal as the Saudi Arabian side gets set to acquire 70% of the players rights for €9.2M. Carrillo spent last season on loan with Al-Hilal where he appeared in 25 games across all competitions scoring four goals. Carrillo joined Benfica on a free transfer in the summer of 2016 from Sporting but has not appeared in a game with Benfica since May of 2017. Carrillo spent the 2017/18 season on loan at Watford before last seasons loan spell at Al-Hilal. Al-Hilal is said to be ready offer the Peruvian Carrillo a contract for four seasons.

Wolverhampton linked with Benfica defender Dias

Wolverhampton have been linked with Benfica defender Ruben Dias in the latest reports coming out of England. Dias has become one of the higher rated young central defenders in Europe and fits the mold of recent Wolves acquisitions, being young with a potential to increase in value. The clubs have started initial discussions about Dias who has a €66M release clause in his current contract and would join a squad that currently boasts six Portuguese players and a Portuguese manager. The 22 year old Dias is also a client of super agent Jorge Mendes who has brokered a number of deals in recent years with the Wolves. Benfica are said to be in no hurry to move on from Dias this season after their recent massive sale of forward Joao Felix.

Juventus looking at Benfica youngsters

Juventus are still in talks with Benfica when it comes to a move for Benfica right back Joao Ferreira, the youngster is said to be close to a move to Turin for €5M with Benfica retaining 50% of the players rights. Juventus are also talking to the Lisbon club about another made in Seixal youngster in 18 year old winger Tiago Araujo. Araujo who has come up through the ranks at Benfica, scored 16 goals last season in 31 appearances with Benfica's youth squad. No details have been disclosed at this time about what a move for Tiago Araujo would look like between the clubs.

Benfica deal all but done for Napoli striker

Benfica and Napoli have agreed to a deal that involves striker Carlos Vinicius for a reported €10M-€15M according to reports coming out of Italy. Vinicius was acquired last summer by Napoli for €4M from Real Sport Club but has never made an appearance with the Italian side being loaned twice since arriving. Vinicius spent the first half of the season on loan at Rio Ave where he appeared in 20 games across all competitions, scoring 14 times. He was then moved during the winter transfer window to French club Monaco were he appeared 16 times and scored twice. The Napoli deal with Real Sport Club also included a clause that any future sale of the Brazilian striker would be split 50/50 between the two clubs. This means that the small Portuguese club would earn a windfall for Vinicius of €5M-€7.5M on top of the €4M already paid last summer. Benfica have been looking for another striker since the retirement of Jonas and with the apparent arrival of Vinicius to join recent acquisition Raul de Tomas, the club has spent €37M on two strikers this summer.

Benfica move for an injured Mattia Perin

Benfica and Juventus are said to have postponed their deal which involved keeper Mattia Perin for the next few months after Perin failed his medicals in Lisbon today and reports coming from Portugal is that Perin would be out with an injury for the next four months. Perin will return to Juventus to recover from his injury and the clubs will look at completing the deal during the winter transfer window. This news should mean that current team number one Odysseas Vladchodimos would not be leaving the club anytime soon with Benfica's opening to the season just a couple of weeks away.

The Biggest Transfer Purchases in Benfica History

I follow up my hugely popular blog post of Benfica's biggest transfer sales to take a look at the biggest transfer purchases by Benfica in the history of the club. Here is the Top 40 list of the clubs biggest purchase acquisitions in club history.

Updated June 25, 2022

1.  Darwin Nunez from Almeria (SPA) - €24M (2020)
2.  Raul Jimenez from Atletico Madrid (SPA) - €22M (2015)
3.  Raul de Tomas from Real Madrid (SPA) - €20M (2019)
4.  Everton from Gremio (BRA) - €20M (2020)
5.  Julian Weigl from Borussia Dortmund (GER) - €20M (2020)
6.  Pedrinho from Corinthians (BRA) - €18M (2020)
7.  Roman Yaremchuk from Gent (BEL) - €17M (2021)
   
8.  Carlos Vinicius from Napoli (ITA) - €17M (2019)
9.  Rafa Silva from Braga (POR) - €16M (2016) 
10.  David Neres from Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) - €15.3M (2022)
    
11.  Luca Waldschmidt from Freiburg (GER) - €15M (2020)
12.  Nicolas Otamendo from Manchester City (ENG) - €15M (2020)
13.  Pizzi from Atletico Madrid (SPA) - €14M (2013) 
14.  Ola John from Twente (HOL) - €12M (2012)
15.  Simao Sabrosa from Barcelona (SPA) - €12M (2001)
16.  Oscar Cardozo from Newell Old Boys (ARG) - €11.67M (2007) 
17.  Eduardo Salvio from Atletico Madrid (SPA) - €11M (2012)
18.  Andreas Samaris from Olympiakos (GRE) - €10M (2014)
19.  Enzo Fernandez from River Plate (ARG) - €10M (2022)
    
20.  Lazar Markovic from Partizan (SER) - €10M (2013) 
21.  Axel Witsel from Standard Liege (BEL) - €9M (2011)
22.  Roberto from Real Zaragoza (SPA) - €8.6M (2013)
23.  Roberto from Atletico Madrid (SPA) - €8.5M (2010) 
24.  Nico Gaitan from Boca Juniors (ARG) - €8.4M (2011)
25.  Alexander Bah from Slavia Prague (CZE) - €8M (2022)
    
26.  Gabriel from Leganes (SPA) - €8M (2018)
27.  Filip Djuricic from Heerenveen (HOL) - €8M (2013)
28.  Angel Di Maria from Rosario (ARG) - €8M (2007) 
29.  Nicolas Castillo from Pumas (MEX) - €7.87M (2018)
30.  Pablo Aimar from Real Zaragoza (SPA) - €7.5M (2008)
31.  Ramires from Cruzeiro (BRA) - €7.5M (2009)
32.  Roger from Fluminense (BRA) - €7.5M (2000)
33.  Mitroglou from Fulham (ENG) - €7M (2016)
34.  Sidnei from International (BRA) - €7M (2008)
35.  Javi Garcia from Real Madrid (SPA) - €7M (2009)
36.  Van Hooijdonk from Vitesse (HOL) - €6.8M (2000) 
37.  Luka Jovic from Apollon Limassol (CYP) - €6.6M (2015) 
38.  Rodrigo from RM Castilla (SPA) - €6M (2010) 
39.  Franco Cervi from Rosario (ARG) - €5.7M (2016)
40.  Maxi Pereira from Defensor (URG) - €5.7M (2007) 

Benfica departs to America for International Champions Cup

Benfica have arrived in America as they prepare to compete in the International Champions Cup, Benfica will kick off their tournament campaign on July 20 against Chivas before facing Fiorentina on July 24 and concluding the tournament against AC Milan on July 26.

Benfica have brought 27 players with them to America which include injured members Andre Almeida and Gedson Fernandes, Jhonder Cadiz and David Tavares remain in Lisbon to recover from recent injuries, while Salvio and President LFV stayed to conclude Salvio's move to Boca Juniors.

Benfica roster for International Champions Cup

Keepers - Vladchodimos, Mile Svilar, Ivan Zlobin
Defenders- Ruben Dias, Ferro, Jardel, Conti, Alex Grimaldo, Nuno Tavares, Joao Ferreira, Tyronne Ebuehi
Midfielders- Pizzi, Samaris, Florentino, Gilberto, Rafa Silva, Fejsa, Chiquinho, Caio Lucas, Franco Cervi, Zivkovic, Taarabt, Tiago Dantas
Forwards- Raul de Tomas, Seferovic, Jota

Benfica and Boca Juniors close to Salvio deal

Benfica and Boca Juniors are closing in a completing a move for Salvio, ending the Argentinian wingers time with the Lisbon club. Salvio has been with Benfica on a permanent basis since being acquired in the summer of 2012 from Atletico Madrid after spending a loan spell during the 2010/11 season with the club. Salvio who is looking for playing time has not been given a boost of confidence by current manager Bruno Lage on what his regular playing time would be with the Eagles during the coming season and Boca are very interested in acquiring the winger for their club. 

Salvio was set to earn a €2.2M annual salary with Benfica this season and the clubs are still in negotiations on exactly what the Salvio move will be. Benfica are not interested in a loan move for Salvio to Boca, even though Boca is willing to pay Benfica around €2M for the loan. Benfica will only part with Salvio if Boca are willing to purchase at least 50% of the players rights for an estimated €6M. Salvio has appeared in 266 games for Benfica in all competitions scoring 62 goals and assisting on another 54. Salvio would depart having won 14 club trophies with Benfica.

Benfica needs to turn attention to right back

The Benfica season is less then a month away as the club gets set to face arch-rivals Sporting for the Super Cup on August 4. Benfica continue to talk to clubs with the goal of shoring up their roster for another run at the league title and with the hopes of a stronger performance in the Champions League compared to seasons past. The latest out of media outlets have Benfica looking to add a keeper, a secondary striker and potentially another striker to the club before the transfer window closes. What you fail to hear much about in the media is the club looking to strengthen the right back position, a position that I believe to be one of the clubs weaker links. Andre Almeida has been as good a soldier for Benfica as you could expect but has always been an inadequate replacement for the much more talented Nelson Semedo.

Benfica's other options if Almeida were to suffer an injury are "a yet to touch the grass because of injury" Tyronne Ebuehi and an "often injured" Eduardo Salvio playing out of position. The right back spot is also a position that the B side finds themselves lacking with currently Simon Ramirez and U19 prodigy Joao Ferreira filling that position with the club. Benfica's promising youngster at the right back position is Alex Pinto but he will not be available to the club as he has been loaned for the season to league new comers Gil Vicente. The experience that Pinto will receive playing regular minutes in the league will be valuable for his future development but this has no barring on Benfica's current situation for the upcoming season. The time is now for Benfica to focus on a position that needs to be strengthened for the upcoming season, failing to do so could leave the club in a tough predicament and suffering disastrous ramifications. 

Benfica extend contracts of promising youngsters

Benfica have extended the contracts of promising youngsters Tiago Dantas and Nuno Tavares, both players have signed on for five additional seasons and the club has added €88M buy out clauses to each players contract. Dantas is a creative attacking midfielder and is his name has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Joao Felix in this coming season while left back Tavares will be Alex Grimaldo's understudy for the upcoming season with the departure of Yuri Ribeiro to Nottingham last week. Benfica's Seixal academy continues to turn up some gems and these two youngsters should be kept an eye on for this season.

Benfica squad for friendly against Academica

Benfica are set to play their second preseason game tonight at 8:15pm WEST in Coimbra against Academica before departing to the USA to take part in the International Champions Cup. Benfica have named 25 players to the squad for the upcoming friendly.

Keepers- Vladchodimos, Mile Svilar, Ivan Zlobin
Defenders- Ruben Dias, Ferro, Joao Ferreira, Nuno Tavares, Grimaldo, Jardel, Conti
Midfielders- Samaris, Gabriel, Florentino, Fejsa, Pizzi, Chiquinho, Salvio, Tiago Dantas, Rafa Silva, Taarabt, Caio Lucas, Franco Cervi
Forwards- Raul de Tomas, Seferovic, Jota

Benfica loss to Anderlecht results in two injuries

Benfica's opening preseason game to Anderlecht resulted in a 2-1 loss with Chiquinho scoring the loan Benfica goal. The night was all about retiring striker Jonas and the result of the game was of little importance to many of the clubs fans that turned up at the stadium. The concern that has come into play is that Benfica lost two players to injury in their first tune up as Jhonder Cadiz went down with a right thigh injury and youngster David Tavares left the game having suffered a twisted left knee. The two players were not expected to be part of the teams plans this season but with four preseason games remaining we hope that the injury trend does not continue in the games that lie ahead.

The Biggest Transfer Sales in Benfica history

The recent record sale of Joao Felix to Atletico Madrid for €126M last week has had the soccer world buzzing it has also left many Benfica fans wondering after this record sale who are the players in Benfica history that have generated the club the most sales dollars of its 115 year history. The great news for that question is that I will be answering it right now, right here with the Top 40 player sales in Benfica history.

Updated: June 25, 2022

1. Joao Felix to Atletico Madrid (SPA) - €126M (2019)
2. Darwin Nunez to Liverpool (ENG) - €75M+ (2022)
   
3. Ruben Dias to Manchester City (ENG) - €68M (2020)
4. Ederson to Manchester City (ENG) - €40M (2017)
5. Axel Witsel to Zenit (RUS) - €40M (2012)
6. Raul Jimenez to Wolverhampton (ENG) - €38M (2019)
7. Nelson Semedo to Barcelona (SPA) - €35.7M (2017)
8. Renato Sanches to Bayern Munich (GER) - €35M (2016)
9. Victor Lindelof to Manchester United (ENG) - €35M (2017)
10. Angel Di Maria to Real Madrid (SPA) - €33M (2010)
11. Fabio Coentrao to Real Madrid (SPA) - €30M (2011)
12. Goncalo Guedes to PSG (FRA) - €30M (2016)
13. Rodrigo to Valenica (SPA) - €30M (2015)
14. Nico Gaiten to Atletico Madrid (SPA) - €25M (2016)
15. Nemanja Matic to Chelsea (ENG) - €25M (2013)
16. David Luiz to Chelsea (ENG) - €25M (2010)
17. Enzo Perez to Valencia (SPA) - €25M (2014)
18. Lazar Markovic to Liverpool (ENG) - €25M (2014)
19. Ramires to Chelsea (ENG) - €22M (2010)
20. Javi Garcia to Manchester City (ENG) - €20.2M (2012)
21. Andre Gomes to Valencia (SPA) - €20M (2015)
22. Simao Sabrosa to Atletico Madrid - €20M (2007)
23. Raul de Tomas to Espanyol - €20M (2020)
24. Talisca to Guangzhou Evergrande (CHI) - €19.2M (2018)
25. Pedrinho to Shahktar Donetsk (UKR) - €18M (2021)
    
26. Manuel Fernandes to Valencia (SPA) - €18M (2007)
27. Nuno Gomes to Fiorentina (ITA) - €17M (2000)
28. Jan Oblak to Atletico Madrid (SPA) - €16M (2014)
29. Bernardo Silva to Monaco (FRA) - €15.7M (2014)
30. Konstantinos Mitroglou to Marseille (FRA) - €15M (2017)
31. Joao Cancelo to Valencia (SPA) - €15M (2015)
32. Joao Carvalho to Nottingham Forest (ENG) - €15M (2018)
33. Ivan Cavaleiro to Monaco (FRA) - €15M (2015)
34. Helder Costa to Wolverhampton (ENG) - €15M (2016)
35. Tiago to Chelsea (ENG) - €15M (2004)
36. Everton to Flamengo (BRA) - €13.5M (2022)
    
37. Luca Waldschmidt to Wolfsburg (GER) - €12M (2021)
    
38. Aldair to Roma (ITA) - €9M (1990)
39. Roberto to Real Zaragoza (SPA) - €8.6M (2011)
40. Miguel to Valenica (SPA) - €8M (2005)

Benfica look at making change to emblem

The Benfica board is currently in discussions to change the current emblem of the Lisbon club going forward. Benfica's President brought up the changes at last weekend during a meeting in Seixal between club officials and club members. There are currently three options being considered for the emblem and all will include adding the words Benfica somewhere on it. The club wants to boost the clubs marketing options and feel that by adding the word Benfica to the emblem this would achieve the clubs goal. Benfica have changed the clubs emblem on five other occasions in the teams 115 year history the last time being in 1999 but the eagle that all the fans have become accustomed to will continue to remain as part of any future emblem.

Mile Svilar awaiting direction at Benfica

Mile Svilar awaits to hear from Benfica on what his direction will be at the club for the upcoming season, rumours have been swirling all off season that Benfica would prefer to loan the the 19 year old keeper to gain more experience playing regular minutes. A couple of clubs from his native Belgium in former club Anderlecht and Standard Liege are currently being linked with a Svilar loan move. The youngster has appeared in a total of 20 games across all competitions for Benfica since joining the club in the summer of 2017. Benfica will make any loan move include a no option to buy as the club sees Svilar as their goaltender of the future.

Atletico Madrid return to Benfica for another striker

Atletico Madrid look to not be done dealing with Benfica just yet as less then a week after acquiring forward Joao Felix for a record breaking fee of €126M. Atletico Madrid are back looking to land Benfica striker Ivan Saponjic. Saponjic has yet to appear with Benfica's main club and spent last season with the B team in the second division of Portugal, he appeared in 28 games, scoring 6 times. Saponjic is said to have caught the attention of Atletico manager Diego Simone during the recent Euro U21 finals as he represented his native Serbia. Benfica would be willing to part with the young striker for a reported €8M but want to retain 20% of the players rights towards any future sale.

Jonas calls it a career in farewell to Benfica

Jonas has called it time on his playing career thus ending his brilliant five seasons with Benfica. Jonas will be saying his good byes to the clubs fans tomorrow when Benfica plays its presentation game against Anderlecht, the club will also pay the final year of Jonas' contract. Jonas retires as the second all time leading foreign scorer in Benfica history, only trailing Oscar Cardozo's 166 goals. Jonas appeared in 183 games for Benfica across all competitions, scoring 137 times while setting up another 43. Jonas started his playing career in his home country of Brazil and European clubs took notice when he won the Brazilian league golden boot with Gremio in 2010.

He then moved to his other only European club Valencia in the winter of 2011 spending over 3 seasons with the Spanish side before signing as a free agent with Benfica in the fall of 2014. While at Benfica, Jonas has won 9 club trophies, four of them the league championship and was named the Portuguese League player of the year on two occasions while also being awarded the golden boot twice. Jonas will also be remembered as a vital member of a club that has regained its former glory over the past few seasons.

Nottingham Forest acquire Benfica duo

Nottingham Forest have added Benfica duo to their squad, making them their third and fourth signings of the summer season. Nottingham have acquired midfielder Alfa Semedo on a season long loan and left back Yuri Ribeiro who has signed with the club on a permanent basis. The terms of both players deals have yet to be disclosed by either club at this time. Semedo appeared in 19 games across all competitions with Benfica and scored the winning goal in a Champions League group game for the club. Ribeiro appeared in 7 games across all competitions for Benfica but did not appear in a league game, although he was featured twice in the Europa League.

Benfica in the market for another striker

Benfica continue their search for attacking depth and have turned their attention to Tigres striker Enner Valencia. The 29 year old Ecuadorian striker is said to be valued at €8M and spent four seasons in England between 2014 - 2017 representing West Ham and Everton. Bruno Lage knows Valencia well from his time spent in England and wants to bolster the clubs attacking options behind recent acquistion Raul de Tomas and last seasons leading goal scorer Haris Seforovic. The obstacle that could prevent Benfica from completing the move is Valencia's annual salary which is currently €2.5M annually. Benfica would need to convince Valencia to lower his salary if he were to make a move to the Portuguese club.

Benfica loan Krovinovic to West Brom

Benfica have loaned midfielder Krovinovic to English second division club West Brom Albion for the season. The loan deal does not include a buy out clause at the end of the loan so Krovinovic could return back to Lisbon at loans end unless a buyer comes along for his services. Krovinovic feel out of the clubs plans at Benfica once new manager Bruno Lage enter the fold. Krovinovic joined Benfica in the summer of 2017 from Rio Ave for €3.5M and the midfielders form once inserted into the clubs lineup provided a spark to the team but a horrific injury to his ligament had Krovinovic on the sidelines for an extended period of time and he was never again able to find regular duty with the club. Krovinovic leaves Benfica having appeared in 28 games in all competitions and scoring just once.

Benfica and Sporting Super Cup all set

The Portuguese Super Cup is all set to take place on August 4 in Algarve at 8:45PM WEST between defending League Champions Benfica and Taca de Portugal winners Sporting. The 43rd edition of the game will take place at the Estadio do Algarve which holds a seating capacity of over 30,000 and should be to capacity as Portugal's most popular clubs head south to kick off the Portuguese season. Sporting and Benfica hold 17 Super Cup titles with Sporting edging Benfica 9 to 8 in total Super Cup victories.

Benfica first big European club to accept cryptocurrency

Benfica have launched a partnership with cryptocurrency payment solution Utrust, becoming the first big European club to accept payment via blockchain. Fans will now be able to pay for merchandise and tickets at the clubs online store with bitcoin or ethereum. Benfica is hoping that its move into the digital payment world will help evolve its e-commerce strategy and expand its global audience with tech savvy users. The partnership which was announced in early June is already in use on its online store.

Milan inquire about Benfica midfielder Gedson

AC Milan have reached out to Benfica to discuss the availability of midfielder Gedson Fernandes. Milan who recently struck a deal with UEFA to be banned from European competition for a year due to violations of the Financial Fair play rules is said to be looking for a loan deal with Benfica with an option to purchase the player at the end of the loan spell. Benfica have already added a buyout clause of €120M to Gedson's current contract that runs until the summer of 2023. Gedson had his first full season with the main squad, appearing in 46 games across all competitions. The 20 year old youngster scored three times while setting up an additional six goals. AC Milan's current financial situation does not bode well in their attempts to acquire Gedson and they would need to get creative to see Benfica let go of the youngster.

Benfica turn attention to Juventus keeper Perin

Benfica have reached out to Juventus to discuss keeper Mattia Perin according to Italian papers. Benfica have been searching for a keeper this summer as they look to move on from current starter Odysseas Vlachodimos and back up Mile Svilar. Perin looks set to move down the pegging order at Juventus with the potential return of former keeper Gianluigi Buffon and would have the opportunity to play regular first team minutes with the Lisbon club. Perin would cost Benfica between €15M to €20M a small profit for Juventus who acquired Perin from Genoa last summer for €12M.

The breakdown of Joao Felix move to Atletico Madrid

Benfica forward Joao Felix has officially made his move from the Lisbon squad to Madrid to join Atletico, Benfica will receive a record breaking transfer fee of €126M, the highest transfer fee ever received by the club and for by any team in the Portuguese League. Atletico Madrid will pay Benfica €30M this season with the club receiving the remaining €96M in installment payments in the future. The additional €6M above Felix's €120M buyout clause is interest on the installment plan. Super agent Jorge Mendes will receive €12M from the deal while FC Porto who Felix spent time with in his youth before being released and joining Benfica will receive €1.2M. These costs will not be deducted from the money Benfica receives as Atletico will be responsible for covering them. Atletico have signed Felix to a seven year contract and have also added their highest buyout clause ever for a club player at €350M.

Benfica acquire striker Raul de Tomas from Real Madrid

Benfica have acquired Real Madrid striker Raul de Tomas for €20M and signed him for five seasons with a buy out clause of €100M. The 24 year old striker spent last season on loan with Spanish side Rayo Vallecano, appearing in 33 league games and scoring 14 times. De Tomas has been a member of Real Madrid since 2004 when he joined their youth side but his only appearance with the main club occurred in the 2014/15 season as he appeared in a Copa del Rey game. De Tomas will earn an annual salary of €2M with the Lisbon club and will be counted on to take up the spot of striker Jonas who is set to announce his retirement from football.

Benfica to hold open practice for members

Benfica will be hosting an open practice for club members on Saturday July 6, 2019 at 10:30am at their Seixal caixa futebol campus. The practice will take place at campus #1 on a first come first serve basis. Club members are able to acquire tickets at a variety of locations from July 4 at 9am to July 5 at 9pm. This will be the clubs first open practice to club members for the 2019/20 season.

Benfica Pre-season schedule for 2019/20 season

Benfica have officially opened their training camp yesterday in Lisbon with 23 players reporting for physicals. Benfica will have more players join by the end of the week as players finish off their holidays due to international duties after the season. Benfica will be playing five pre-season games before facing Sporting in the Super Cup on August 4. Benfica will have their presentation game at home on July 10 and will play one more game in Portugal before leaving for North America to participate in the International Champions Cup. 

Benfica pre-season schedule

July 10/19 vs Anderlecht
July 13/19 vs Academica
July 20/19 vs Chivas
July 25/19 vs Fiorentina
July 28/19 vs AC Milan

Benfica acquire midfielder Chiquinho from Moreirense

Benfica have re-acquired midfielder Chiquinho from Moreirense for €4.5M and sign him for five seasons. Benfica acquired the 23 year old midfielder in the summer of 2018 from Academica for €600,000 and then released him to join Moreirense with first option to buy if the Northern club were to sell the player. Chiquinho had a break out season playing for Moreirense, his first in the Portuguese league and appeared in all 34 league games. Chiquinho scored eight times while setting up seven goals last season and was the runner up to player of the month on two occasions, while also finishing third on another.