Benfica Secures Rising Star Franjo Ivanovic from Union Saint-Gilloise

In an exciting move for Benfica fans, the Portuguese giants have finalized the transfer of promising Croatian striker Franjo Ivanovic from Union Saint-Gilloise. The deal marks a significant addition to Benfica’s attacking lineup as they gear up for the 2025-26 season.

The transfer fee has been set at a substantial €23M, with an additional €5M in potential add-ons, bringing the total package to €28M. This agreement also includes a sell-on clause of 20%, ensuring Union Saint-Gilloise benefits from any future profit should Ivanovic move again.

The 21-year-old forward, is signing a contract until June 2030 and has arrived in Lisbon this evening to undergo his medical examination, a key step before officially donning the Benfica jersey. His arrival has already sparked enthusiasm among supporters eager to see his impact on the pitch.

Ivanovic’s breakout 2024-25 season with Union Saint-Gilloise, where he scored twenty goals and provided five assists in 46 appearances, highlighted his potential. His role in securing the Belgian club’s first league title in 90 years caught the attention of several European clubs, including Benfica, who outmaneuvered competition from Wolverhampton and Eintracht Frankfurt. 

The young striker’s versatility and goal-scoring prowess make him an ideal complement to Vangelis Pavlidis, strengthening Benfica’s attack under coach Bruno Lage. This transfer underscores Benfica’s ambition to reclaim dominance in the Portuguese League and excel in European competitions. 

Ivanovic’s journey from HNK Rijeka to Union Saint-Gilloise and now to Lisbon, reflects his rapid rise in football. As he prepares to join pre-season training, fans are optimistic about his contribution and await the official announcement of Ivanovic's move to Benfica, as he begins his Benfica chapter! 

Benfica host Fenerbahce in Eusebio Cup

Benfica will host Fenerbahce in the 14th edition of the Eusebio Cup later today at the Estadio da Luz, looking for their third straight victory in the competition. Benfica have faced off against some top clubs in the game that honours club legend Eusebio, with Real Madrid, Arsenal, AC Milan, Inter and Ajax to name a few. Benfica defeated Feyenoord 5-0 in last seasons game that was attended by over 54,000 fans.

Benfica turn to Jupiler Pro Leauge for striker

Benfica is ramping up its efforts to bolster its attacking options, with reports indicating that the Portuguese giants are in advanced talks with Union St. Gilloise to sign Croatian striker Franjo Ivanovic.

The 21-year-old forward is being eyed as the ideal backup for Benfica’s striker, Vangelis Pavlidis, following the imminent departures of Arthur Cabral, Andrea Belotti and Casper Tengstedt. According to multiple sources, including SportTV and Maisfutebol, Benfica is prepared to offer around €20 million for Ivanovic, though Union St. Gilloise is holding firm for a fee closer to €25-€30 million.

The €25-€30 million wanted by Gilloise is a significant jump from the €4 million that they paid to HNK Rijeka last summer for the players acquisition. Ivanovic had a breakout 2024-25 season with Union St. Gilloise, playing a pivotal role in their first Belgian league title in 90 years. The young striker scored an impressive 20 goals and provided 5 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions.

His physical presence, clinical finishing and ability to contribute in big moments, evidenced by his two goals for the Croatian national team in just four caps to date, have also attracted interest from various clubs. 

As Benfica looks to maintain its competitive edge in the Primeira Liga and European competitions, Ivanovic’s versatility and goal-scoring prowess make him a strong candidate to complement Pavlidis. As the two clubs proceed with negotiations fans are eager to see if Rui Costa can finalize the deal for the promising Croatian talent in the coming days. 

Benfica find out Champions League qualifying opponents

Benfica have learned their fate if they are to qualify for this upcoming seasons edition of the Champions League when they where drawn against French side Nice, earlier today in the 3rd qualifying round set to take place next month.

Benfica will travel to France to take on Nice on August 5, 2025, with the return leg at the Estadio da Luz, which will take place on August 12, 2025. The winner of the contest will advance to the playoff where they will face one of Fenerbahce, Feyenoord, Panathinaikos, Rangers, Servette or Viktoria Plzen, for a place in the League Phase of the competition. 

 

Luis Filipe Vieira looks at Benfica Presidency once again

Luis Filipe Vieira looks to make a comeback bid to become Benfica's club President once again when elections happen on October 25, 2025, replacing the man who replaced him in current club President Rui Costa.

The world of football is no stranger to drama and one of Portugal's most storied clubs, is once again at the center of a gripping narrative as the club's former President from 2003 to 2021 has announced his intention to run for Presidency after departing the club due to legal trouble.

This narrative has sparked debate between the club's passionate fanbase, with opinions split between nostalgia for his bygone era to skepticism about his return to the club.

Luis Filipe Vieira's tenure as the club's President was nothing short of transformative, taking over in 2003, he inherited a club grappling with financial turmoil and a lack of competitive success. Over his 18 year reign, the longest in Benfica history, Vieira over saw a remarkable turnaround.

Under his leadership, Benfica captured seven league titles, multiple domestic cups and re-established themselves as a force on the European stage, reaching two Europa League Finals. His focus on modernizing the club's infrastructure, training facilities and broadcasting home games on Benfica TV, helped restore financial stability and global prestige.

However, Vieira's presidency was not without controversy. His 2021 resignation came amid the "Cartao Vermelho" investigation, which alleged fraud, money laundering and tax evasion involving deals. Vieira was placed under house arrest, while he maintained his innocence.

The lack of formal convictions has emboldened him to re-enter the spotlight, arguing that the justice system's failure to act, clears the path for his return to the club once again. 

Vieira's decision to run again, announced this month, has sent shockwaves through the Benfica community, sources close to the former president confirm that he has been actively rallying support from key figures and club members, with his pre-campaign already in motion. 

His platforms appear to center around restoring Benfica's dominance once again through his proven track record in charge of the club and attributing the club's current sporting and financial crisis to current president Rui Costa.

Vieira has stated that a victory by him will see him move to replace current manager Bruno Lage with ex-Porto manager Sergio Conceicao but his 2021 exit does have some fans and members wary of revisiting the controversies of his era and his reliance on specific agents when making transfer dealings, known as "Vieirismo".

This election does have the fan base deeply divided. Older supporters, who recall the club's struggles before Vieira's tenure, view him as a saviour who restored Benfica's pride. While younger fans, associate him with scandals and wonder if his return would hinder progress.

The 2025 election is shaping up to be a fierce contest, as along side Vieira and Costa, other candidates include Joao Noronha Lopes,  Joao Diogo Manteigas, Cristovao Carvalho and Martim Mayer.  Lopes is the more serious candidate of the four, receiving 34.71% of the votes cast during the last election. 

An expected record turnout of members on October 25 will decide if the club is to return to the old guard, maintain the status quo, or move into a fresh start. This result will be a defining moment for the club over the next four years.      

Benfica should look to Brazil for another striker

Benfica currently can count on one established striker for the upcoming season, with starter Vangelis Pavlidis as the sole player up top at this time. The club moved on from Arthur Cabral, selling him to Botafogo earlier this summer and the team does not seem interested in making Andrea Belotti's loan move from Como permanent.

The Lisbon club will be looking to add more depth to the striker position before the start of the season and one location they should look towards is Brazil and Serie A leading scorer Kaio Jorge, who is currently applying his trade for Corinthians.

Jorge is a dynamic forward with a blend of technical ability, physicality and goal scoring instinct. The 23 year old has already had a stint in Europe with Italian sides Juventus and Frosinone, where he showed some glimpses of potential despite limited playing time due to injuries and competition.

Returning to Brazil in the summer of 2024 looks to have brought back the player's confidence and form, making him an attractive prospect for Benfica, as he ticks many boxes that club looks at when acquiring a younger player from abroad.

Benfica was linked with Jorge back in the summer of 2021 while he played at Santos, but the player and club could not come to an agreement on financial terms and Jorge ended up moving to Italy, joining Juventus.

Jorge's versatility to play as a central striker or in a supporting role could provide tactical flexibility for Benfica manager Bruno Lage and his acquisition from Corinthians should not break the bank, keeping the club inline with their current budget plans as Jorge should be had for under €15M.

Benfica working on trio of acquisitions to strengthen squad

As the 2025-26 football season approaches, Benfica are looking to make bold moves in the transfer market to bolster its squad under the guidance of manager Bruno Lage. The Portuguese giants are reportedly working on a trio of high-profile acquisitions in, Joao Felix, Thiago Almada, and Enzo Barrenechea, as they aim to blend experience, youth, and international flair into their lineup.

Benfica's ambition comes with a significant financial commitment. The club is negotiating Joao Felix's return from Chelsea, with reports suggesting an offer of approximately €21-€25 million for a 50% stake in the player, though Chelsea values him at around €60 million. Felix, a product of Benfica's youth academy, carries a hefty release clause of $370 million, but the club is leveraging his willingness to return and his limited role at Chelsea to negotiate a more feasible deal.

When it comes to Thiago Almada, Benfica has proposed €28-€35 million for a 60% share, though Botafogo, his parent club, is holding firm at €40 million. The negotiations are complicated by Almada's loan stint at Lyon and ownership dynamics involving John Textor but Benfica are hoping to take advantage of Lyon's financial difficulties which include a need to raise €100M to avoid relegation to Ligue 2 but need to beware of Atletico Madrid's interest.

Lastly in regards to Enzo Barrenechea who is currently with Aston Villa, he is valued at around €10-€12 million, a figure Benfica is prepared to meet despite competition from FC Porto and Valencia. These investments reflect Benfica's strategy to secure long-term assets while navigating financial constraints and rival interest. 

The trio's statistical output from the 2024-25 season underscores their potential impact. Joao Felix, split the season between Chelsea and Milan, featured in 41 matches, accumulating 1,965 minutes. He scored 10 goals and provided 2 assists, showcasing his flair as a forward and his ability to influence games despite inconsistent playing time. His experience in top leagues like the Premier League and Serie A could prove invaluable as Benfica targets a strong Champions League campaign.

Thiago Almada, during his loan at Lyon, played 20 games (1,209 minutes), scoring 2 goals and delivering 4 assists. His versatility in midfield and contribution to Lyon's European efforts highlight his potential to add creativity and dynamism to Benfica's midfield, which Benfica require, especially with the departure of attacking midfielder Orkun Kokcu to Besiktas.

Enzo Barrenechea, meanwhile, impressed in his loan spell with Valencia, making 32 appearances (2,247 minutes), scoring 1 goal and registering 2 assists. His defensive midfield presence and consistency in La Liga suggest he could be a stabilizing force, particularly as a potential successor to Florentino Luis, who is also rumoured to be on his way out of Lisbon.

Acquiring these players aligns with Benfica's goal to reclaim dominance in the Portuguese League and excel in Europe. Joao Felix's homecoming could rekindle his early promise and boost fan morale along with team identity, though his high salary demands pose a challenge.  

Thiago Almada's international pedigree, including his role in Argentina's World Cup success, brings a global perspective to the squad, potentially elevating its competitiveness in the Champions League.

Enzo Barrenechea's youth and work rate offer a cost-effective solution to add midfield depth, addressing the departure of key players like Orkun Kokcu. Together, this trio could form a balanced attack and midfield, blending offensive creativity with defensive solidity. 

The transfers are not without hurdles. Chelsea's reluctance to lower Felix's price, Botafogo's firm stance on Almada and competition for Barrenechea could delay or derail these current deals that are being worked on.

Additionally, Benfica's financial limitations, exacerbated by the need to qualify for the Champions League group stage, require careful budget management. However, the club's optimism, fueled by player interest and strategic negotiations involving agents like Jorge Mendes, suggests a proactive approach to the season. 

Benfica's pursuit of Joao Felix, Thiago Almada and Enzo Barrenechea represents a calculated gamble to reshape its squad for the better. If successful, this trio could transform Benfica into a formidable force, blending nostalgia with new talent for the 2025-26 season. 

While financial and competitive challenges loom, the potential reward of a revitalized team makes this a compelling narrative to watch as the transfer window unfolds during these summer months.

NOTE: Thiago Almada signed with Atletico Madrid on July 16, 2025 and Benfica has signed Enzo Barrenechea on loan on July 18, 2025.

Benfica announce new stadium capacity for 2025-26 season

Benfica have completed the first phase of their stadium seating capacity project as they work to hit their goal of raising capacity to 70,000 seats by the 2026-27 season.

The Estadio da Luz will now be able to hold 68,100 fans for the 2025-26 season, which is an increase from 64,642. Benfica will also be completely  replacing the pitch shortly and this should be done in time for the Eusebio Cup on July 26, where they will face Turkish club Fenerbahce. 

Benfica learn path to defend Taca da Liga title

Benfica learned over the past few days their path to defending their Taca da Liga crown in the eight team competition that is set to kick off in October.

As the runner up in the Portuguese League last season, Benfica will face second division winners Tondela in the quarter-final stage, where the winners will move on to face either Braga or Santa Clara in the semi-finals.

The final four will once again take place in Leiria with the Finals set for January 10 2026.

The Quarter-Final matchups:

Benfica vs Tondela

Braga vs Santa Clara

FC Porto vs Guimaraes

Sporting vs Alverca 

Benfica schedule for the 2025-26 season released

The Portuguese League has released the schedule for the upcoming 2025-26 season yesterday and Benfica has learned their path to recapturing the league title once again.

Benfica will open the season at home against Rio Ave on the weekend of August 9-10, they will then travel to Amadora for their first road game the following weekend.

Benfica will face FC Porto in the Classico in Week 8 (October 4-5) when they travel to the Dragao with the return affair at the Luz taking place in Week 25 (March 7-8).

The Lisbon Derby with defending league champions Sporting will go in Week 13 (December 6-7) at the Luz and Week 30 (April 18-19) in Alvalade. 

Other notable games that the club will play during the 2025-26 season will be against Braga at home in Week 33 (May 9-10), while they travel to the Azores to take on Santa Clara in Week 22 (February 14-15) and Madeira to face Nacional in Week 12 (November 29-30). Benfica will wrap up their season against Estoril on the road in Week 34 (May 16-17). 

Game dates and times are yet to be confirmed and subject to change depending on the club's schedule and how they fair in certain competitions.

Click Here for Full Schedule 

Antonio Silva turns down Al-Hilal approach

Saudi club Al-Hilal is said to have made an approach for Benfica center back Antonio Silva and the offer was a lucrative €45M to acquire the players services but the Portuguese center back declined to make the move to Saudi Arabia as he felt it is too early in his career to change continents.

The 21 year old is once again on teams radars, after a strong performance at the Club World Cup, which Benfica were just eliminated from in the round of 16 a few days ago. Benfica is open to listening to offers for Silva who looks to have regained his confidence this season but the player would also have to agree to the potential destination.

Silva has been with Benfica since an early age, having come up through the club's famous Seixal academy. He got his big break with the club during the 2022-23 season when Benfica where hit with a rash of injuries to their back line and has never looked back.

Silva has appeared in 140 games with Benfica across all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing three helpers in those games. He was a key piece of Benfica's youth squad along with Tomas Araujo when they captured the 2021-22 UEFA Youth League title, snapping Benfica's run without a European trophy since the 60's. 

Benfica could still get Felix if they get creative

Benfica have not given up on their pursuit of Joao Felix but the club will need to get creative if they are going to land their former Seixal academy player to the squad for the upcoming season.

The current stumbling block of any move the club is to make for Felix is his current annual salary which stands at around €9M per season, way over what the club could handle for a full season.

Benfica has been linked with both a loan move and permanent move of Felix during this off season, but with the player signed until the summer of 2031. It would make sense that the club go the route of a loan spell with Chelsea.

Chelsea is a club that could use a stronger back line and Benfica have two players that have already been linked to the London club in center backs Tomas Araujo and Antonio Silva.

Could Benfica get Felix on a full season loan, with almost all expenses paid if they are to move one of their young center backs to the London side? 

Benfica value both defenders at around €30M to €40M euros but could look at making a sweeter deal with Chelsea if they where to cover at least 75% of Felix's contract for the upcoming season.

If Benfica where to move either defender to Chelsea, they could make the move for €25M and have a Felix loan as part of the deal, if they really want to push the button, they can look at a two year loan spell for Felix with 75% of his salary covered.

Benfica have hope for a reunion with Felix this summer but unless there is a creative way to make the move, the club may be best suited to look elsewhere to bolster their squad this summer.