Benfica look at bringing Seixal product home

Benfica have been linked to former Seixal academy player Rony Lopes according to reports coming out of Portugal. Lopes who is currently the property of Spanish club Sevilla, spent the 2020/21 season on loan with French side Nice were he appeared in 33 games across all competitions, scoring five goals while setting up two.

Lopes last played in Portugal with Benfica's under 17 squad in 2012 before being sold to Manchester City for a bargain price of €1M. The 25 year old winger has also spent time with Lille and Monaco since his departure. Sevilla are said to be looking at between €7.5M to €10M to make the move happen but could also be open to discussing a season long loan with an option to buy.

Benfica looking to double up on Pedrinho

Benfica are in extended talks with Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk about Brazilian winger Pedrinho and a deal between the two clubs could be announced as early as this week. According to the IG Sports webpage the deal could be in the range of €35M to €45M when all is said and done and would end Pedrinho's short stay at the club after arriving in the summer of 2020 from Corinthians.

Benfica acquired the 23 year old for €16M and his sale to Shakhtar will see the club to double their money on a player who was mostly used as a substitute at the club this season. Pedrinho appeared in 31 games across all competitions, playing 1,019 minutes and scoring once while setting up another two goals. Benfica are looking at a total over haul of the club this summer as they look to right the ship after a disappointing 2020/21 campagin.

Benfica set for whole new midfield in 2021/22

Benfica manager Jorge Jesus has asked club President Luis Filipe Vieira for a new midfield after guiding the club to a third place finish in the Portuguese League during the 2020/21 season. Benfica could see a total overhaul from it's current midfield which would see the likes of Pizzi, Gabriel, Julian Weigl, Chiquinho, Taarabt and Franco Cervi all depart the club this summer with Weigl the likely only one of the bunch to provide the club with a windfall after a terrific season.

Benfica has been looking within the league to shore up its current squad and has already been linked in the midfield with Braga's Al Musrati, Famalicao's Manual Ugarte and Farense's Ryan Gauld. Benfica will also get back midfielders Florentino Luis and Gedson Fernandes from loan spells abroad. Jorge Jesus is hoping to fix what was a sore spot this season for the club as they look to right the ship and get back to their winning ways, the club will have a short break before returning to training as they hope to qualify for the Champions League group stage.

Benfica want former Sporting midfielder Gauld

Benfica continue to be linked with summer moves for Portuguese League players a change in tactics for the club with the latest player being Farense midfielder Ryan Gauld. The 25 year old was the only bright spot on a Farense side that was relegated to the second division and will become a free agent in the summer if Farense does not activate option for another year, with a host of suitors lining up for his services.

Gauld appeared in 34 games across all competitions for Farense and scored nine goals while setting up another seven. Gauld arrived in Portugal with Sporting as an 18 year old from Scotland's Dundee United and was hailed as the Scottish Messi but never really got a chance at the Lisbon side, appearing in only two league games and five in total over his five seasons at the club.

Gauld joined Farense in the summer of 2019 and was a key player in the clubs promotion to Portugal's top flight, his performances have not only caught the eye of Benfica but Gauld has also been linked with Premiership side Southampton and Polish club Legia Warsaw. Benfica manager Jorge Jesus is looking to add a creative midfielder to the squad during the summer and Ryan Gauld's skill set has the manager very interested in his services.

Galatasaray hoping for new Gedson loan

Turkish side Galatasaray are hoping to extend Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes loan spell for another season after the 22 year old joined in February 2021 after a 18 month loan spell with English club Tottenham was cut short. Gedson has appeared in 18 games across all competitions since joining Galatasaray, scoring once while chipping in three assists.

Galatasaray are said to be willing to pay Benfica €1M for a season long of Gedson according to publication Fanatik and are hoping that the relationship between current manager Fatih Terim and Vice President Rui Costa will be able to seal the move. Terim and Costa trained together when both were players of AC Milan and Fiorentina.

Benfica ready to go after Santa Clara forward

The season is not even three days done and rumours coming out of Portugal seem to be every hour on the hour, the latest linking Benfica with Santa Clara winger Carlos Junior. Benfica seem keen to shore up their club this off season within the league after spending a record last season abroad on acquisitions with little to show for it. Carlos Junior has had a fantastic season with the Azorian club, helping them secure a place in the newly created UEFA Europa Conference League after finishing sixth in Portugal. The 25 year old winger scored 16 goals across all competitions while setting up an additional four goals in 36 appearances.

Carlos joined Santa Clara during the 2019/20 season from Portuguese side Louletano on loan before a permanent move was arranged this past summer between the clubs. Carlos arrived in Portugal in the winter of 2019 at Rio Ave but was let go just six months later, a move the Vila da Conde club is surely regrets. Benfica have also been linked in recent weeks up front with Portimonense striker Beto and have already acquired Maritimo striker Rodrigo Pinho on a free transfer. No details of what it would cost Benfica to acquire the 25 year old but it could be in the €5M to €7.5M range if no players move the other way from Benfica to Santa Clara permanently or on a loan spell.

Benfica ready for Taca de Portugal Final

Benfica go into Sunday's season ending game against Braga looking to hoist their 30th Taca de Portugal title and first trophy win since the 2019 Super Cup as they look to salvage something in what amounted to a disappointing season for the Lisbon giants.

Benfica and Braga will meet for the first time ever in a Taca de Portugal final and go into the game on different runs. Benfica finished the season unbeaten in seven games and have suffered just one defeat in their last fifteen. While Braga have won only three of their last ten games.

Benfica will be without central defender Verissimo who suffered an injury in the final season game but are otherwise relatively healthy going into the game. Benfica defeated Paredes, Vilafranquense, Amadora, Belenenses and Estoril in their run to the final Sunday.

Benfica's Seferovic just misses winning golden boot again

Benfica's Seferovic did all he could to try and capture his second golden boot in league play in an exciting final day of football in Portugal. Seferovic entered the final game of the season tied with Sporting's Pote at 20 goals a piece when they day commenced. Benfica would play before Sporting and defeated Guimaraes 3-1, a game in which Seferovic scored a brace to take over the lead in the golden boot race and finish with 22 goals.

Sporting would then play in the final game of the season against Maritimo, a game they handily won 5-1 but unfortunately for Seferovic, Sporting midfielder Pote would score a hat trick in this game and surpass Seferovic by one goal capturing the golden boot. The Swiss International had a terrific second half of the season scoring 16 of his 22 goals after the midway point as he earned regular playing minutes.

The 29 year old appeared in 31 league games and played a total of 2,265 minutes, he also chipped in seven assists to go along with his 22 goals. Sporting's Pote also appeared in 31 games but played 2,645 minutes which is a full four games more then Seferovic. Pote chipped in four assists to go with his league leading 23 goals. Seferovic won the golden boot during the 2018/19 season when he scored 23 goals playing along side Joao Felix before his move to Atletico Madrid in the summer.

Benfica would be wise to cash in on Seferovic during the summer transfer window as his value has never been higher. The club already has Darwin Nunez, Luca Waldschmidt, the possible return of 2019/20 golden boot winner Carlos Vinicius and recent signing Rodrigo Pinho in a crowded striker position. This group may also include youngster Goncalo Ramos especially if Jorge Jesus is sent packing during the summer months.

Benfica looking at return of David Luiz

Benfica are being linked once again with former defender David Luiz who will become a free agent in the summer after his contract with Arsenal expires. Luiz was linked with a return to Benfica last summer but re-signed for another year with the London based club. The 34 year old was with Benfica last, in the winter of the 2010/11 before being sold to Chelsea for €25M.

Luiz spent three and half seasons with Chelsea before moving to PSG for two seasons and then returning to Chelsea for three more years before settling with Arsenal in the summer of 2019. Benfica is rumoured to have offered Luiz a salary of €33,000 a week to join the club which would be a major pay cut from his current €100,000 a week he currently earns.

A move to a crowded Benfica back end is not the best resources of funds that the team could spend considering the club needs to shore up it's midfield for next season. Luiz appeared in 130 games across all competitions while at Benfica were he scored six goals while setting up nine. The ball would be in Luiz's court if he would be open to take a massive pay cut to join a club he still loves.

Benfica discuss Cruzeiro left back Pereira

Benfica have had discussions with agent Fernando Britto who represents left back Matheus Pereira of Cruzeiro on the agents recent visit to Portugal. The 20 year old Pereira was promoted to Cruzeiro's main squad in August and has recently signed a contract with the Brazilian club until the summer of 2023 but that has not stopped Britto from shopping his player's services to other clubs. FC Porto have also been in talks Britto during his current visit but neither club has made any formal proposal to Cruzeiro for Pereira. Benfica have already been linked with Wolves left back Ruben Vinagre which leads many to believe that current starting left back Alex Grimaldo could potentially be on the move this summer.

 

Diogo Goncalves has earned the right to be starter

Diogo Goncalves has taken a long path to get to were he is today, after spending the majority of his youth at Benfica's Seixal academy. Goncalves went through an unsuccessful loan spell with English side Nottingham Forest and then a terrific season last year on loan at Famalicao before remaining with the club this season. If Jorge Jesus got one thing right since his return back to the club, it was giving Goncalves time to learn to play right back a new position for Goncalves who was accustomed to playing on the right wing.

After the season ending injury to starting right back Andre Almeida in just the fourth game of the season, the right back position fell to summer arrival Gilberto. The 28 year old Brazilian kept the spot warm until Goncalves was unleashed in February and his fine form has earned him a regular place among the starting XI. Goncalves should remain in that position after the return of regular starter Andre Almeida as he has looked good in Jesus' 4-4-2 formation along with his 3-5-2 formation which sees Goncalves play higher up the field.

Since becoming the clubs regular starting right back, Goncalves has appeared in 15 games and scored twice while setting up another five goals across all competitions. His set piece goal against Arsenal in the Europa League round of 32 was magnificent and a statement that he had finally arrived and the clubs search for an every day right back was over. Goncalves was recently awarded as Benfica's break through player of the year which should only cement his place with the squad next season.

Benfica may get alternate route to Champions League

With Benfica looking likely to finish the season in third spot in Portugal, their route to the Champions League group stage will need to go through the league path. Which would involve advancing past two rounds to get to the group stage but this could all change if Manchester United defeat Villarreal in the Europa League final set to take place on May 26, 2021.

Since Manchester United have already qualified for the Champions League group stage a win in the Europa League would open up a spot in the Champions League group stage that normally goes to the Europa League winner. That spot would go to the club that finishes in third place in France and the third place team in Portugal would then move into the playoff round instead of starting in the third qualifying round.

In simple terms a Man United victory in the Europa League final would see Benfica only need to win one round instead of two rounds to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League. This alternate route would make Benfica's goal of joining Sporting and FC Porto in the group stage that much easier, giving Portugal three clubs in the competition for the first time since the 2017-18 season.

Celta Vigo make offer to Benfica for Franco Cervi

Spanish club Celta Vigo have maintained their interest in Benfica midfielder Franco Cervi after almost landing the player during the January transfer window. Club President Carlos Mourino is said to have Cervi on his transfer list once the transfer window opens in the summer. The 26 year old Argentinian has been used sparingly this season playing only 803 minutes and is open to a move away from Portugal if it means more playing time.

Cervi joined Benfica in the summer of 2016 from Rosario for €5.65M and has appeared in 171 games for Benfica across all competitions, scoring 21 goals while setting up an additional 26. Cervi has won five cups in his time at Benfica which include two league titles. Celta are said to have offered Benfica €4M for Cervi's services a figure that is well below what the club is looking for and negotiations are on going.

Benfica's failure to win Classico could cost them millions

Benfica once again failed to do what they have been unable to do the whole season under Jorge Jesus, WIN a big game. Benfica played FC Porto to a 1-1 draw on home field in the O Classico after taking a first half lead on a goal by Everton who's form has hit an all time high in the last quarter of the season and I look forward to seeing what he can bring to the table next season if he has finally adapted to the style of play in Portugal.

Benfica would fail to hold onto the lead as FC Porto equalized in the second half and a late winner by Pizzi in additional time was called back when Darwin Nunez was called on the offside by mere centimeters in the build up to the play. Benfica would actually see three VAR reviews go against them in this game with the earlier reviews negating potential penalty shots.

Benfica remain four points behind FC Porto for second spot with three games remaining and their hope of an automatic berth in the Champions League group stage now hangs by a thread. All is not lost for Benfica but finishing third will see the club need to get past the more difficult playoff route in which they will need to win two rounds to earn their place in next seasons UEFA show piece and the millions of dollars that comes with an appearance.

O Classico Preview - Benfica vs FC Porto

Benfica get set to host rivals FC Porto on Thursday in the O Classico, a game with many ramifications for both clubs as they battle for a place in the Champions League next season. Benfica's cross town rivals Sporting will be watching the game and cheering on their city rivals as a loss could end any little title hopes that FC Porto have on the season and give Sporting their first league title in almost 20 years.

Benfica currently trail FC Porto by four points for second place and a guaranteed place in the Champions League group stage which would garner the club a windfall of €40M, in what amounts to a must win game for the Lisbon side as a loss would almost guarantee that Benfica will need to go through the two rounds of the qualifying to earn their place along side their Portuguese rivals in the group stage.

 

Benfica probable starting lineup:

Helton Leite, Diogo Goncalves, Lucas Verissimo, Nicolas Otamendi, Jan Vertonghen, Alex Grimaldo, Pizzi, Julien Weigl, Rafa Silva, Everton, Haris Seferovic

FC Porto probable starting lineup:

Marcheshin, Wilson Manafa, Pepe, Mbemba, Sanusi, Sergio Oliveira, Grujic, Otavio, Luis Diaz, Marega, Taremi

 

Benfica Player to watch:

Diogo Goncalves - The 24 year old has come into his own the second half of the season and claimed the starting spot as right back and his attacking flair will cause problems for FC Porto's back four.

FC Porto Player to watch:

Otavio - The attacking midfielder will try to take advantage of Benfica's three center back formation and find holes for his attacking counter parts. 

 

Benfica linked once again to Boca Juniors winger

According to reports coming from Argentinian TV channel TNT Sports, Benfica are currently in the process of preparing an offer for Boca Juniors winger Sebastian Villa. Benfica have been previously linked with the 24 year old Colombian during this past summer transfer window but no deal materialized between the two clubs. Villa is currently signed with Boca until the end of 2024 and has a reported €33.5M buy out clause.

Villa has been a member of the Argentinian club since the summer of 2018 and has appeared in 89 games across all competitions, scoring 14 goals while adding 14 helpers. The price tag for Villa is quite high and with Benfica looking to bolster their midfield this summer, this move does not make the most financial sense unless the club is able to get a significant discount from the Buenos Airos club.

Benfica make offer for Portimonense striker Beto

Benfica have made their first approach for Portimonense striker Beto with an €8M offer to purchase the 23 year old. Benfica made the offer to the Algarve club after their recent outing in Week 28 were Beto opened the scoring for Portimonense his 11th league goal of the season. Portimonense are said to be open to only selling 70% of the players rights but are looking for more then the €8M offer and with other clubs like German side Wolfsburg and Portuguese clubs Sporting and FC Porto linked to the player it could drive the price for the Lisbon born striker further.

Beto spent the majority of his youth career with Uniao Recreativa e Desportiva de Tires in Lisbon but did spend a season with Benfica back in 2011. Beto would move to Montijo were he caught the eye of Portimonense after scoring 21 goals in 36 contests. Beto would join Portimonense in the summer of 2019 and spent the majority of the 2019/20 season with Portimonense's Under 23 side were he would finish third in league scoring. Beto is signed with Portimonense until the summer of 2023 so Benfica will need to increase their initial bid if they hope to land the upcoming star.