Benfica searching northern Europe for left back

Keita Kosugi is a 19-year-old Japanese left-back currently playing for Djurgardens in the Swedish Allsvenskan and according to reports coming out of Europe, Benfica are one of several clubs interested in acquiring the services of Kosugi.

Benfica is eyeing a permanent transfer for Kosugi following his impressive performances in the Allsvenskan and the UEFA Conference League, where Djurgardens reached the semi-finals this season. However, they face competition from clubs like PSG, Atalanta and Celtic, with a "fierce battle" expected for his signature.

Kosugi is small in stature but his electric pace and explosive acceleration allow him to cover large distances and remain dynamic throughout matches. He is also no slouch on the defensive side of the game, excelling in one on one situations.

Benfica see Kosugi as a potential replacement for current starter Alvaro Fernandez, who is being courted by La Liga powerhouse Real Madrid for a move this summer. No price points have been released at this time but Benfica are always looking for value buys and hope that acquiring Kosugi is no different. 

 

Benfica looking for Di Maria replacement at Celtic

Benfica are said to be looking to Celtic for the potential replacement to Angel di Maria who confirmed today that he will be rejoining childhood club Rosario Central next season with his final Benfica appearances coming at the Club World Cup.

Benfica look to have interest in Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn, however, there are no confirmed details on the transfer fee or of any negotiations going on at this stage for the 25 year old German.

Historically, Benfica and Celtic have had successful transfer dealings, with players like Jota and Paulo Bernardo moving from Benfica to Celtic, first on loan and later permanently. Jota, for instance, joined Celtic on loan in 2021, was signed permanently in 2022 for £6.4M and later transferred to Al-Ittihad for £25 million in 2023. Similarly, Bernardo’s permanent move to Celtic was finalized in 2024 after a loan spell. 

Kuhn joined Celtic from Rapid Vienna in the winter of 2024 for €3.5M and appeared in 51 games across all competitions, scoring 21 goals while providing 15 helpers in 3,286 minutes of action.

Benfica looking at Sevilla right back Sanchez

Benfica is reportedly interested in Sevilla's right-back Juanlu Sanchez for a potential summer 2025 move. According to recent reports, Benfica has made inquiries about the 23-year-old defender as part of their strategy to reinforce the right-back position.

Sanchez is one of the players under consideration, alongside Wolverhampton's Nelson Semedo, as Benfica looks to bolster their defensive options. However, no concrete offer has been confirmed and the interest remains at the inquiry stage.

Sevilla will be looking to strengthen their own club this summer after barely avoiding relegation from La Liga this season and the sale of some of their players will help bolster their war chest going forward.

Sanchez appeared in 35 games across all competitions this season for Sevilla and scored five goals while providing five helpers in 1,937 minutes of action. Sanchez was also a member of Spain's 2024 gold medal winning Olympic squad.

 

Benfica rumoured to be linked with Cruzeiro left back

Benfica is reportedly interested in Cruzeiro's left-back Kaiki as a potential replacement for Alvaro Fernandez who is being linked with a move to Real Madrid in time for the start of the Club World Cup in the next few weeks.

Multiple sources indicate that Benfica is monitoring Kaiki, a 22-year-old who has been a key player for Cruzeiro under Portuguese coach Leonardo Jardim. Benfica values Alvaro at around €50M, and his potential departure would necessitate a replacement, with Kaiki emerging as a prime candidate due to his performances and a relatively modest valuation.

However, there are conflicting reports, with some sources noting that no concrete offer has been made by Benfica yet and interest may have cooled, while others suggest Kaiki’s agents have offered him to the Portuguese club as Alvaro's replacement.

Benfica are also discussing a permanent move for left back Samuel Dahl from Roma who's loan deal with the club is set to expire. The Lisbon club have offered €12M for his services while Roma are hoping to get €15M from Benfica to close the deal.

Benfica close but no cigar in Taca de Portugal Final

Benfica were less then 90 seconds away from capturing the Taca de Portugal trophy in the final game of the Portuguese season but a stupid defensive challenge by substitute Renato Sanches handed Sporting a late injury time penalty that Gyokeres would convert to take this game into additional time 1-1.

The late equalizer seemed to take the sails out of Benfica's game and they would go on to fall to cross town rivals Sporting 3-1 when all was said and done. Benfica played well for most of the 90 minutes  but did not get any breaks from the officiating crew on the night.

A night that saw the club get a penalty awarded and then reversed due to a very close offside and a goal by Bruma that would have put the club up by two goals, called back by a questionable foul call prior to the development of the goal.

Sporting also seemed to get away from a straight red card that saw striker Belotti get his head stepped on by a Matheus Reis in the 94th minutes while he was on the ground after a ball battle, this seemed to be missed by both the officials and VAR although you can find a clip of the incident quite easily through social media.

Benfica end the 2024-25 season having captured the Taca da Liga trophy and will need to prepare for the upcoming Club World Cup in the next few weeks, while at the same time look into strengthening the club going into next season. Benfica and Sporting will kick off the 2025-26 Portuguese season in the Super Cup come August.

 

Angel di Maria wants to end Portugal adventure with Cup

Angel di Maria has already announced that he will not be returning to Benfica when his contract is up at the end of next month but wants to make sure to end his Benfica career in style by winning the Taca de Portugal trophy on Sunday against rivals Sporting.

Di Maria who returned to Benfica two seasons ago is set to move on from the club but it is still unknown if the 37 year old will continue his career elsewhere or hang up his boots at the conclusion of the season.

Di Maria will still represent Benfica at the Club World Cup in the America during the summer months but the Taca de Portugal will be his farewell game in Portugal.

This will be the first Taca de Portugal final that Di Maria has played in and it would be a perfect send off for the Argentinian to capture a trophy that has alluded him in his time at the club. Di Maria has also failed to score in a game against Sporting as a Benfica player and will get his final this weekend.

Bruno Lage will be back on the sidelines next season

Benfica President Rui Costa confirmed that Bruno Lage will continue as the team's coach for the 2025-26 season, despite the club’s failure to secure the 2024-25 Portuguese League title. With the club still in debt with former manager Roger Schmidt and his staff in the tune of just over €10M, it was a safe bet that Lage would not be leaving the club in the summer.

Speaking after a 1-1 draw against Braga on the final match day, which saw Sporting clinch the championship, Costa expressed unwavering support for Lage. He highlighted Lage’s achievements since taking over mid-season, including winning the Taca da Liga, reaching the Taca de Portugal final, and keeping Benfica in the title race until the end. “Bruno Lage will definitely start the next season at Benfica.”  

Costa stated, emphasizing that Lage was “the least responsible” for the season’s outcome. This decision comes amid fan frustration and looming presidential elections in October 2025, with Costa focusing on upcoming challenges like the Taca de Portugal final against Sporting on May 25, 2025 and this summers Club World Cup tournament.

With Lage at the helm, Benfica did out point Sporting from the time of his arrival and Benfica made it to the round of 16 of the new formatted Champions League bowing out to eventual La Liga champions Barcelona. The club will undoubtedly sell a few key pieces from the squad but hope to replace those pieces with equal or better parts this summer.

Benfica lose title on last day of the season

Benfica did not get the help the needed on the final day of the season to capture the league title and finish runner up again to back to back champions and cross town rivals Sporting.

The stage was set for a dramatic final day of the season as both clubs headed into the final weekend of games level at 79 points a piece with Sporting holding the tiebreaker from their head to head encounters with Benfica.

Benfica traveled to Braga, while Sporting was at home to take on Guimaraes. Sporting just needed to match Benfica's result to capture the title and they did just more then that. Sporting won 2-0 while Benfica came from behind to draw Braga 1-1.

The season ends with questions and missed opportunities with the club's biggest mistake being that they started the season with Roger Schmidt on the sidelines even though his poor club performances had reached a plateau. 

Benfica then missed out on the opportunity last weekend at the Luz to pull out in front where today's results would have given them the crown but faltered and drew 1-1. The result means that Benfica will have to go through qualifying if they are to make it into the main stage of the Champions League next season.

 

Lenore Sports buys stake in Benfica

American investor group Lenore Sports Partners has purchased a 5.24% stake in Portuguese giants Benfica according to a statement released by the club's SAD. 

The deal marks the first time that an investor group from America has purchased such a big stake in a top tier Portuguese club with Benfica said to be valued in the €598M to €659M according to data firm Benchmark, which would place Lenore Sports stake to be worth €31.3M to €34.5M.

Sport Lisboa e Benfica, a fan group own the majority of the club through the SAD with a 64% stake. Lenore Sports will work with the club in exploring opportunities where the club has the potential for more growth as they will use their decades of experience to add another aspect to the business side of the club.

Benfica need help to win Portuguese title

Benfica and Sporting drew 1-1 in a critical Lisbon Derby game yesterday, leaving both teams level with 79 points going into the final matchday of the season next weekend. Trincao opened the scoring for Sporting just four minutes into the contest and Akturkoglu's second half goal assisted by a dazzling solo run by striker Pavlidis gave both teams a point a piece.

Sporting hold the tiebreaker advantage from their head to head record, defeating Benfica 1-0 at home in Week 16, meaning Benfica will need help if they are to win the Portuguese League this season. Benfica's hopes hinge on a win or draw against Braga and a Sporting slip up against Guimaraes as any result that sees both club's tied in points will give the title to Sporting.

Benfica ready for crucial Lisbon Derby potential title game

Benfica and Sporting are set to face off on Saturday, in a crucial Lisbon derby at Estadio da Luz, with both teams tied at 78 points atop the Portuguese League standings. With only two games left in the 2024-25 season, this match could effectively decide the Portuguese league title, as it’s one of the tightest races in recent years. 

 
Sporting currently holds the edge due to their 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture in December, giving them a better head-to-head record. Third-placed Porto, 13 points behind, are out of contention.
 
Both teams have been neck-and-neck, with posts on X reflecting the intensity of the race—some fans noting Sporting’s earlier lead of 10-15 points before manager Ruben Amorim’s departure to Manchester United.

Benfica have clawed back, capitalizing on Sporting’s stumbles. The rivalry extends beyond the league, with Benfica defeating Sporting on penalties in the Taca da Liga final in January and the two set to meet again in the Taca de Portugal final on May 25.
 
This derby is a tactical chess match. Benfica’s home advantage and Di Maria’s potential form give them a slight edge, but Sporting’s resilience and Gyokeres’ goal scoring prowess make them dangerous. 

 
Sources suggest a high-stakes, closely contested game, with tiebreaker scenarios adding pressure. A Benfica victory seems likely given their squad depth, but Sporting’s knack for grinding out results can’t be underestimated. The outcome may well hinge on fine margins, potentially extending the title fight to the final day.

Benfica need to make decision on Otamendi and Di Maria

Benfica's success at home and in Europe relies on smart decisions, especially when it comes to players whose contracts are about to end. Right now, they face a big choice about Nico Otamendi and Angel Di Maria. Both players are free agents soon, and how Benfica handles this will change their future.

Nico Otamendi has been a pillar in Benfica’s defense. His experience and leadership as the club's captain are clear on the pitch. Over recent seasons, he’s helped tighten the backline and organize the team’s defense.

Angel Di Maria, on the other hand, is a creative force. His ability to create scoring chances and make key passes has made him a fan favorite. Both players have been vital to Benfica’s success, but they also face questions about fitness and longevity as they get up their in age.

With both players reaching the twilight of their careers anything more then one year contracts would be foolish on the club's part and with Otamendi and Di Maria in no rush to sign new deals as they evaluate the next phase of their careers, Benfica will need to find the right solution that would benefit both the club and players.

Reports do indicate that Benfica is open to negotiating new one-year contracts with both players, who have appeared in a combined 436 games for the club across all competitions. The club particularly values their presence for the Club World Cup this summer, suggesting their experience and leadership are seen as assets for major competitions. 

Benfica have three games to seal the league

The Portuguese League season is winding down and Benfica and Sporting remain level at the top of Portugal's top tier with 75 points a piece with three league games remaining on the schedule.

The league title looks set to come down to next weekend's highly anticipated Lisbon Derby where these two rivals will go head to head in a game that is likely to determine who becomes the 2024-25 Portuguese Champion.

Benfica will host this all important encounter at their classic Estadio da Luz stadium where a sold out crowd is expected to cheer on the home side and provide the club with that extra boost as they look for the all important victory.

Benfica will have to first take on Estoril this weekend away from home before facing Sporting and then will conclude the season against Braga also on the road. Benfica control their own destiny as three victories in their final three games will capture the club's 39th title.