Benfica shopping around left back Mihailo Ristic

In the world of football, player transfers are a common occurrence. Clubs are constantly looking to strengthen their squads and improve their chances of success. One such case is that of Benfica, who are reportedly shopping around for a new left back as Milahilo Ristic has fallen out of favor at the club.

Ristic, who joined Benfica in the summer of 2022 as a free agent from Montepellier, initially showed promise with his solid defensive performances and attacking contributions. However, over time, his form has dipped and he has struggled to find playing time even with current starter David Jurasek on the sideline due to injury.

As a result Benfica have begun actively shopping the left back with Spanish club Celta Vigo said to be interested in his services. Ristic has appeared in only twelve games with the club since arriving, scoring once while setting up another goal.

Benfica need to find a solution at left back

In the world of football, team selection plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of a match. The decision to play certain players out of position can often prove costly, as is the case with Benfica's choice to deploy midfielder Fredrik Aursnes at left back. This tactical move has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, as it has resulted in a series of disappointing performances.

Traditionally, left back is a position that requires defensive prowess and an ability to provide attacking support down the flank. Unfortunately, Aursnes lacks the necessary skills and experience to excel in this role. His natural position is in midfield, where he can utilize his passing abilities and contribute to the team's attacking and defensive play.

The consequences of playing Aursnes at left back have been evident on the pitch. Benfica's attack from the left side has been non existent as the right footed Aursnes struggles to fill a role once held by Alex Grimaldo. Grimaldo's replacement David Jurasek did not last a game before going down with an injury that will not see him return until after the International break at the earliest.

Benfica's other left back option Mihailo Ristic looks to have lost the trust of manager Roger Schmidt, if he ever had it to begin with as Schmidt has refused to use Ristic at his natural position over Aursnes. This decision has caused the flank to be underutilized and it is imperative that the coaching staff reassess their tactics if they plan to have achieve success on the pitch over the next month or two.

Benfica open to moving Schjelderup for right price

Benfica's young winger Andreas Schjelderup wants to move from the Lisbon club after spending just half a season in which the 20 year old has played a mere three games. With the arrival of Angel di Maria and the expected return of Goncalo Guedes on loan from Wolves the youngster sees that continuing this season.

Schjelderup arrived from Nordsjaelland in January for €9M and is signed with the club until the summer of 2028, Benfica are looking for at least €15M to let the Norwegian depart but still want to keep a percentage of the players rights if they do so. The likely move that Schjelderup could expect is a loan away from the club for the season with AZ Alkmaar said to be interested.

Benfica looking at San Lorenzo right back Giay

Benfica are looking to the future and have put San Lorenzo's 19 year old right back Agustin Giay on their to get list during this current transfer window. The two clubs have already discussed Giay, who has been on Benfica's radar for some time now.

Although only 19 years old, Giay has been a regular starter this season at San Lorenzo and is the current captain of Argentina's U20 side. Benfica's interest to add Giay to its main squad is bad news for Joao Victor who was penciled in as Alexander Bah's back up this season.

Benfica are hoping to add Giay for a relative bargain as the two clubs continue talks on a purchase price.

Roger Schmidt dropped the ball in Vlachodimos situation

Benfica manager Roger Schmidt may be facing his first turbulent moment since arriving in Lisbon when it comes to the situation with the clubs long time number one keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos. Schmidt singled out the 29 year old Greek international in the teams opening season loss to Boavista in an interview and then went as far as to pull him from the clubs starting XI going into Week 2 of the season.

This did not sit well with Vlachodimos who went to speak to the manager in person, this led to an argument that saw the Greek keeper taken out of the match day squad all together. Vlachodimos was unhappy by the criticisms made by Schmidt publicly from his performance in Week 1 and now feels that the only solution may be to depart from the club. 

Schmidt's handling of the situation may have also ruffled some feathers in the dressing room were the Greek keeper has friends who are sure to not be impressed by Schmidt's inability to keep the situation in house. Vlachodimos has been with Benfica since the summer of 2018, appearing in 225 games for the club, while capturing two League Championships and two Super Cups.

Manchester United and Ajax are said to be two clubs interested in the keepers services. 

Zenit hope to convince Neres to join club

Zenit St. Petersburg is reportedly set to make a big push for Benfica winger David Neres hoping to convince the 26 year old to leave the Lisbon club and make the move to Russia. Zenit are hoping that Neres current role of substitute for Benfica can play a part in Neres agreeing to the move.

Neres joined Benfica last summer as he departed Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk for €15.3M and signed a five year contract at the time with a buy out clause of €100M. Benfica are reluctant to let the talented winger go but Zenit are determined to offer Neres a salary he may not be able to refuse and are said to be ready to offer Benfica €40M+ for his services.

Benfica will hope that Russia's current situation with Ukraine which was part of the reason Neres departed last summer and the countries sanctions that see no club compete in UEFA competitions is enough of a deterrent to keep Neres in Lisbon.

With the uncertain futures next summer of Angel di Maria and Rafa Silva, Benfica can not afford to lose the skilled winger.
 

Benfica tickets in high demand in Portugal

Benfica's clinching of the Portuguese League last season and their recent victory to open the season in which they captured the Super Cup over arc rivals FC Porto, has re-activated that special place in the hearts of the clubs supporters and they are showing love with a high demand for tickets to watch the club this season.

Benfica announced that active club members will have priority in purchasing tickets to the clubs games this season as the club struggles to make all its fans happy with the current demand for tickets much higher then seats available. This is an important moment for the club as they look towards another memorable season both at home and abroad in UEFA.

Benfica get season going on the wrong foot

 

Benfica started the defense of their league title with a very sloppy performance against Boavista that proved costly as the Lisbon club lost their season opener for the first time in over ten seasons suffering a 3-2 loss.

Benfica opened the scoring in the first half when Rafa Silva fed Angel di Maria who converted to give the visitors the lead but a straight red card received by striker Petar Musa early in the second half would see Benfica go down a man for the remainder of the game.

Boavista would bring the game level before Rafa Silva restored Benfica's lead with fifteen minutes to play. Benfica looked set to take home the three points until Antonio Silva's aggressive tackle in the penalty box sent Boavista to the spot to bring the game level once more at the ninetieth minute.

Boavista would score the winner thirteen minutes into injury time when Benfica was caught pressing for the winning marker and napping on the back end as Boavista striker Bozenik broke out all alone to seal the clubs fate with his second marker of the game.

Benfica set to kick off season tomorrow against Boavista

As the new football season approaches, fans of Benfica are eagerly awaiting the start of their team's campaign. After a successful season last year, where they clinched the league title, Benfica is determined to defend their crown and continue their dominance in Portuguese football this season.

Under the guidance of manager Roger Schmidt, Benfica has built a formidable squad that possesses both skill and depth. The team boasts a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talents who have already shown great potential. With players like Angel di Maria, Rafa Silva, David Neres and Arthur Cabral leading the attack, Benfica's offensive prowess is undeniable.

However, defending their title will not be an easy task. With rivals FC Porto and Sporting having also strengthened their squads during the transfer window and Braga hoping to make the league the Big Four. The competition promises to be fierce as each team vies for supremacy.

Tomorrow's opening match at Bessa against Boavista will kick off their campaign as the club looks to start the season on a positive note and secure three points. Benfica will count on their fans unwavering support to play a part in motivating the players throughout the season and turn their Estadio da Luz in a fortress once again this season.

Benfica win Super Cup and land two more players

Benfica have had an eventful 24 hours, as the club captured the 2023 edition of the Portuguese Super Cup after defeating rivals FC Porto 2-0 to kick off the Portuguese season. Then the club moved to shore up their squad with the acquisition of striker Arthur Cabral and keeper Anatoliy Trubin.

Benfica defeated FC Porto yesterday on second half goals by Angel di Maria and Petar Musa, picking up their first Super Cup since 2019 and then today the club announced the signings of striker Arthur Cabral from Fiorentina for €20M with an additional €5M in add ons and keeper Anatoliy Trubun from Shakhtar Donetsk for €10M plus €1M in add ons with Shakhtar set to make an additional 40% on the future sale of their former number one.

Benfica are also still in talks with Wolverhampton on a season long loan of winger Goncalo Guedes who spent the second half of last season at the club appearing in 15 games across all competitions, scoring two goals.

Benfica release roster for Super Cup game

Benfica are set to kick off the Portuguese League season when they face FC Porto in today's Super Cup game as the two rivals look to best one another and hosit the first trophy of the 2023/24 season. 

   
Keepers- Odysseas Vlachodimos, Samuel Soares, Leo Kokubo

Defenders- Nico Otamendi, Antonio Silva, Tomas Araujo, Joao Victor, Alexander Bah, David Jurasek, Mihailo Ristic, Morato

Midfielders- Chiquinho, Joao Neves, Florentino, Joao Mario, Fredrick Aursnes, Orken Kokcu, Tiago Gouveia

Forwards- Petar Musa, Angel di Maria, David Neres, Rafa Silva, Casper Tengstedt, Andreas Schjelderup 

Benfica to land Fiorentina striker Arthur

In the ever-evolving world of football transfers, clubs are constantly on the lookout for talented players to strengthen their squads. Benfica are currently set to close a move for Fiorentina striker Arthur Cabral as per reports from Italy as they look to replace their departing star Goncalo Ramos who is set to join PSG in the next few days.

While there may be concerns about Arthur's ability to adapt quickly to a new league and style of play, his previous experiences in different footballing environments should help ease any transition challenges. Additionally, working under Roger Schmidt could further enhance his development as he seeks to establish himself as one of Europe's top strikers.

Arthur joined Fiorentina from Basel in the summer of 2022 for €15.5M after spending four seasons in Switzerland. The 25 year old came up through Brazilian club Ceara's youth system and last season scored 17 goals across 48 games for his Italian club.

Benfica is set to pay €20M with an additional €5M in bonuses.

Benfica looking everywhere for new striker

With Goncalo Ramos set to be announced as a new member of PSG any day now, on a loan deal that will automatically become permanent for a reported €80M at the end of the 2023/24 season. Benfica are searching far and wide to land his replacement with the season set to kick off in mere days for the Lisbon side.

Benfica have been linked to a variety of strikers from the Netherlands, to Brazil and to Argentina as they hunt for a replacement for their current 22 year old striker. Benfica have discussed Santiago Gimenez with Feyenoord, Vangelis Pavlidis with AZ Alkmaar, Lucas Beltran with River Plate and Pedro with Flamengo as they race against the clock to make a move to shore up their number nine position.

Benfica currently have Petar Musa and an inexperienced Casper Tengstedt on the roster to fill Ramos' boots so the urgency of making a move sooner then later has Benfica fans in a frenzy. Look for Benfica to hit the after burners in the coming days in their hunt for a new striker.

Benfica look to Ukraine for potential keeper

Benfica continue to search for a viable back up keeper with experience this summer and a keeper that can push current starter Vlachodimos for minutes. The latest keeper said to be in the clubs sights is Shakhtar Donetsk current number one Anatoliy Trubin. 

The 22 year old has played regular minutes for the Ukrainian club and he has also become Ukraine's top choice in goal on the national stage. Trubin has appeared in 94 games across all competitions for Shakhtar, keeping 39 clean sheets. It is said the Shakhtar are looking in the range of €15M to €20M to make a deal happen.