Benfica still want to add an experienced keeper to back up and push current starting keeper Vlachodimos and the latest keeper on the clubs radar is Real Madrid back up Andriy Lunin.
The 24 year old Ukraine international has been in the back up role with Madrid for the past three seasons, only appearing in 17 games across all competitions. Benfica are said to have inquired about Lunin's availability with their Spanish neighbours.
There are two keepers that the club could look to land for a relatively low price and that is Famalicao starter Luiz Junior and Gil Vicente starter Andrew. Both keepers have shown that they can play in the Portuguese League and both are an identical 22 years of age.
Junior is the more experienced of the two having already appeared in 105 games across all competitions for Famalicao while Andrew has appeared in 40 games across all competitions with Gil Vicente. The pair would have no issue stepping in for Vlachodimos if he were to go with an injury during the season and more importantly would provide Benfica with adequate goaltending during such a crucial time.
The time has come for Benfica to move pass Bento with the season just around the corner and into a smarter move for some league grown talent.
Benfica and FC Porto will meet for the thirteenth time in the competition with Porto dominating this cup competition over their arch rivals eleven to one in their head to head encounters. Benfica are hoping to end am eight game losing skid to Porto in the competition and capture their first Super Cup trophy since 2019.
In the world of football, transfer rumors are a constant source of speculation and excitement for fans. One such rumour that has been making headlines recently involves Feyenoord's young striker, Santiago Gimenez, and Portuguese giants Benfica.
However, Feyenoord is determined to close the door on any potential move for their talented forward as Benfica continue to be linked with the Mexican striker if they were to move on from Goncalo Ramos this summer. Feyenoord director Dennis te Kloese went as far as stating that in an ideal situation Gimenez would remain with Feyenoord, leaving the door slightly ajar that a move may still happen.
Benfica are set to take on Feyenoord during this pre-season, were they hope to get a better look at the 22 year old.
Benfica has continued their fine form from the pre-season with another impressive win earlier today over Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, handing the Saudi side a 4-1 loss. The team's impressive performances have delighted fans and pundits alike, as they have showcased their skill and determination on the pitch.
With the victory over Al-Nassr, Benfica have now won all their three pre-season games. Their players continue to demonstrate a deep understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses, resulting in seamless passing sequences. This cohesion has carried over into competitive matches, allowing them to dominate their opponents.
Furthermore, Benfica's recruitment strategy during the off-season has proven to be fruitful. With Angel Di Maria, Orkun Kokcu and David Jurasek all showing their worth since joining the club. These new additions have added depth to the team and provided healthy competition for starting positions, pushing existing players to perform at their best.
Another factor contributing to Benfica's success is their strong leadership both on and off the field. The coaching staff has instilled a winning mentality within the squad, emphasizing discipline and hard work as the club continues to move towards their opening season game against FC Porto in the Super Cup.
Benfica are said to already have their sights on Ramos' replacement in Feyenoord's Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez. Benfica and Feyenoord's transfer offices are already famaliar with one another, having completed two deals together over the last year. The first was acquiring midfielder Fredrik Aursnes last summer and this season the two clubs agreed on a move for midfielder Orkun Kokcu joining Benfica.
Gimenez is fresh off scoring the winning goal for his Mexican national side on their way to capturing the 2023 Gold Cup just yesterday. Gimenez joined Feyenoord last summer from Cruz Azul and scored 23 goals in 45 games across all competitions for the Dutch club. Feyenoord is said to be looking for €25M for the services of the 22 year old.
Benfica are expecting 20,000 supporters to be in the stands at St. Jakob Park as they face Basel for the first time in Switzerland since an embarrassing 5-0 thrashing during the 2017/18 Champions League group stage when Rui Vitoria was at the helm.
Miranda appeared in 31 games across all competitions last season for Betis, scoring three goals while setting up five. Miranda came up through both Real Betis' and Barcelona's youth systems and has competed through out Spain's youth squads, a member of both the nations U19 and U17 Euro champions.
Miranda who had one year left on his contract with Betis is said to be valued at around €10M with AC Milan also having their eyes on the player.
The 31 players in England are:
Keepers: Vlachodimos, Samuel Soares, Leo Kokubo, Andre Gomes and Marcel
Defenders: Alexander Bah, Luca Verissimo, Joao Victor, Mihailo Ristic, Tomas Araujo, Antonio Silva, Rafael Rodrigues, Morato
Midfielders: David Neres, Kokcu, Joao Mario, Paulo Bernardo, Joao Neves, Florentino, Martim Neto, Tiago Dantas, Chiquinho, Meite, Fredrik Aursnes
Forwards: Goncalo Ramos, Rafa Silva, Casper Tengstedt, Andreas Schjelderup, Henrique Araujo, Petar Musa, Tiago Gouveia
Benfica have been looking for a replacement for the now departed Alex Grimaldo and had been linked with a host of left backs around Europe but look to have finally landed an adequate replacement with the Czech international.
The 22 year old Jurasek appeared in 45 games last season across all competitions, scoring twice while providing 13 helpers. Slavia Prague will retain 15 to 20 percent on any future sale.
Rafa joined Benfica in the summer of 2016 from Braga for €16M and has appeared in 273 games for the club across all competitions, scoring 72 goals while providing 63 helpers. His pace, skill and ability to score crucial goals has made him a fan favourite, however his contract situation has become increasingly problematic for both parties.
Benfica have already received an offer of €15M for Rafa from Al-Sadd but want €20M to even consider the move and while it may be disappointing for fans to see Rafa go, the situation highlights the complexities of modern football contacts.
.jpg "Benfica set to enter the crypto market")
Fan tokens are a crypto asset with characteristics similar to cryptocurrencies, after Benfica's initial offering it is assumed that the token will then trade on the secondary market which may increase its value or decrease it. The club is hoping that the launch of the coin will add another valuable experience to its members and supporters around the world.
In preparation for the big launch socios.com will have 10 days of the flight of the eagle commencing July 6, 2023. Visit the site for more information.
Benfica have already been linked this summer with Atletico Madrid left back Renan Lodi, Sassuolo left back Rogerio and Twente left back Gijs Smal. The club currently has one left back Mihailo Ristic on their main squad outside of youngsters from their academy.
The club would be wise to add a seasoned left back before the start of camp to integrate with the squad as it prepares to defend its league crown next season.
