Benfica on urgent hunt for a winger after Akturkoglu sale

Benfica confirmed the €22.5 million sale, plus bonuses that could see the deal reach €25 million of Turkish winger Kerem Akturkoglu to Fenerbahce. The 26-year-old, who joined from Galatasaray for €12 million last year, had been a key creative force, contributing 16 goals and 11 assists in 53 appearances during the 2024-25 season.

Akturkoglu scored the winner against his new club just days ago to send Benfica to the league phase of the Champions League and Fenerbahce home but the Turkish International had a wish to return to his native home and Benfica granted him that wish today.

His exit leaves a void in Benfica's attacking lineup, prompting an urgent search for a forward replacement to bolster their title challenge under coach Bruno Lage. Benfica announced a key reinforcement yesterday with the arrival of attacking midfielder Heorhii Sudakov from Shakhtar Donetsk on loan and now look to patch up another part of their squad.

Benfica's scouting network have already found a few pieces to the puzzle that could inject pace, creativity and be goal threats. The names that the club have been linked to in the past few days include Levante's Carlos Alvarez, Sevilla's Dodi Lukebakio and Wolfsburg's Mohamed Amoura.

Any of these three wingers will run the club between €20 to €40 million to acquire with Amoura being the gem of the bunch. Benfica could also turn their attention back to their league and search out a pair of Braga wingers in Ricardo Horta and Roger Fernandes to strengthen the squad.

No matter the direction that the squad takes and what player or players arrive, what we know is that the club is weaker today after the Akturkoglu sale and need to urgently fill the hole tomorrow over next week.

Benfica find out Champions League opponents

Benfica have learned their eight opponents in this seasons league phase of the Champions League after their nail biting win over Fenerbahce 1-0 and the competition will be fierce as the Lisbon club looks to advance into the knock out rounds once again this season.

Benfica were drawn at home against, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Napoli and Qarabag, while they will travel to Chelsea, Juventus, Ajax and Newcastle. They exact dates and times of the games won't be released until the end of the month.

Benfica will be in tough with the magic number of wins to reach the knock out face being at least four games. Last season's final spot into the knock out round saw the 24th place club in the competition finish with 11 points and a 3-2-3 record with a goal differential of -4.

New name pops up on Benfica radar

A new name has popped up on the Benfica shopping list, this time the club is linked with a move for Levante's 22 year old midfielder Carlos Alvarez, with negotiations said to be heating up as the transfer window nears a close.

According to sources Abola and Marca, Benfica is keen to bolster its attack and Alvarez's name has emerged as a prime target. The transfer fee is said to be in the €15 million to €25 million range, though Benfica are looking to keep the fee on the lower end of the range.

Sevilla, Alvarez's former club would be entitled to 40% of any transfer deal between Benfica and Levante. Since joining Levante from Sevilla's youth system his performances with Levante helped the Spanish side climb back into La Liga, he scored seven goals and provided twelve assists in 43 contests last season.

Alvarez excels in chance creation, ranking highly for progressive passing and assists, with a flair for threading ambitious through balls. His dribbling ability allows him to take on defenders, though his shooting frequency and goal efficiency could improve.  

With a contract until 2027, Alvarez’s recent role as a substitute may facilitate the move. Benfica sees him as a creative spark to complement the club's strikers, offering pace, flair and goal-scoring potential. If finalized, this transfer could mark Alvarez as a key piece in Benfica’s ambitious campaign 

Benfica interested in Shakhtar Donetsk attacking midfielder

Benfica have reignited their interest in Shakhtar Donetsk’s attacking midfielder Georgiy Sudakov, a 22-year-old Ukrainian talent with a bright future. According to recent reports, the Lisbon giants are prepared to make a significant investment, with Shakhtar demanding upwards of €40 million for the dynamic playmaker.

Sudakov’s contract, which runs until 2028, and his €150 million release clause, suggest negotiations could be complex, but Shakhtar are not said to be willing to accept anything less than the reported €40 million for the Ukraine international.

Sudakov, a versatile No. 10, would be a perfect fit for Benfica’s attacking philosophy under Bruno Lage. His ability to score (15 goals last season) and create (6 assists) would add flair to Benfica’s midfield, complementing their high-pressing, possession-based style.

His compatriot, Anatoliy Trubin, already at Benfica, could ease his integration, fostering chemistry on and off the pitch. However, competition from Napoli, Juventus, and Premier League clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool could complicate matters for Benfica.

If Benfica secure Sudakov, he could replace Orkun Kokcu's creative spark from the middle of the field, becoming a long-term midfield cornerstone and elevating their European ambitions. 

Benfica change directions on player acquisition target

Benfica have decided against moving winger Kerem Akturkoglu back to his native home after Fenerbahce decided to pull their original €25M deal for the 26 year old Turkish international and replace it with an offer of just €15M, which ended all negotiations between the two clubs.

Benfica is said to have found Akturkoglu's replacement in Wolfsburg winger Mohamed Amoura and it was reported that the club and player had agreed to terms before the German side went wild with an asking price of between €35M-€40M, which Benfica balked at.

The club is now determined to look towards adding an attacking midfield piece before the transfer window closes who will be able to move the ball between the midfield and into the club's attack more smoothly. This tactical move shows the club's lack of confidence in their current option of players on the squad.

With an all important winner take all game coming up next week at the Luz against Fenerbache for a spot in this seasons lucrative Champions League phase, the club's direction could once again change if they were to miss out on advancing and drop down to the Europa League this season.

The club have been linked with players Thiago Almada and Giannis Konstantelias already this summer, who could fill this role but Almada joined Atletico Madrid instead and Giannis has been linked to a host of clubs across Europe but has yet to move from PAOK.

Look for Benfica to become more aggressive in the next 2 weeks as they look to bolster a position of weakness and build off of that this season.  

Benfica and Wolfsburg trying to hammer out agreement for Amoura

Benfica is making waves in the transfer market, with negotiations intensifying for Wolfsburg’s Algerian star, Mohamed Amoura. The 25-year-old forward has emerged as a top target for the Eagles, who aim to bolster their attack for the 2025-26 season and their European campaign.

This potential move could rewrite Benfica’s history, with a reported €35 million transfer fee poised to make Amoura the club’s most expensive signing ever, surpassing Richard Rios' €27 million that the club paid Palmeiras earlier this summer for the midfielder.

Amoura’s 2024-25 season with Wolfsburg showcased his explosive talent. In 34 matches across all competitions, he scored 10 goals and provided 9 assists, totaling 2,729 minutes. His pace, versatility, and clinical finishing earned him acclaim as one of the Bundesliga’s top breakthrough talents. While for Algeria, Amoura has 25 caps and 11 goals.

Benfica’s interest, backed by coach Bruno Lage and sporting director Rui Pedro Braz, reflects their ambition to replace the void left by Angel Di Maria. The club has tabled a €27 million offer plus bonuses, though Wolfsburg demands €30–40 million, with some sources citing a fixed €35 million valuation by the club.

Negotiations are ongoing, with Benfica proposing a phased payment structure to meet Wolfsburg’s expectations. Despite Amoura already agreeing to personal terms with Benfica, Wolfsburg’s firm stance and his contract until 2029 are posing challenges.

The urgency to finalize the deal is driven by Benfica’s upcoming Champions League play-offs against Fenerbahçe on August 20 and 27, 2025. Amoura’s potential arrival could provide the dynamism needed to unlock defenses. However, Wolfsburg’s manager, Paul Simonis, remains non-committal, noting a “50-50” chance of Amoura staying, especially after a recent thigh injury limited his training. 

If successful, this transfer could mark a new era for Benfica, with Amoura’s flair and goal-scoring prowess set to electrify the Estadio da Luz. Fans eagerly await updates as the transfer window nears its climax and Benfica looking at reinforcements for the season. 

 

Benfica set to kick off 2025-26 league campaign

Benfica launch their 2025-26 Portuguese League campaign on August 16, 2025, with an away clash against Amadora at Estadio Jose Gomes. Under Bruno Lage’s stewardship, the Eagles are eager to reclaim the league title after a close second-place finish last season. Following a strong pre-season and a 4-0 aggregate Champions League qualifying win over Nice, Benfica go into the game brimming with confidence.

Lage, who returned to Benfica in 2024, has instilled a high-pressing, dynamic style, with new signings like Franjo Ivanovic, Richard Rios and Enzo Barrenechea bolstering the squad. The Eagles recent 1-0 Super Cup triumph over arch rivals Sporting, signals their intent towards the season.

Amadora, coming off a 1-1 draw against Estoril, will lean on home support but face a tough challenge. Their recent form is shaky, with only one win in their last nine home league games and Benfica have won their last six league encounters against them. Despite a spirited 3-2 loss to Benfica last season, Estrela’s attacking struggles could prove costly. 

 

Benfica get past Nice to set stage with Fenerbahce

Benfica delivered a commanding performance, defeating Nice 2-0 in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round at the Estadio da Luz, securing a 4-0 aggregate victory. The Portuguese giants showcased their dominance with goals from Norwegian duo Fredrik Aursnes and Andreas Schjelderup, ensuring their progression to the playoff round.

Benfica’s tactical discipline under coach Bruno Lage was evident, as they controlled possession and limited Nice to zero shots on target, with Franjo Ivanovic and Richard Rios shining in attack and midfield. Nice, despite early pressure, couldn’t overcome Benfica’s organized defense, extending their 65-year wait for Champions League group stage football. 

Now, Benfica faces a thrilling challenge against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Champions League playoffs, with the first leg set for August 20, 2025, in Istanbul, and the return leg on August 27 at Estadio da Luz. 

Fenerbahce, fresh off a 6-4 aggregate comeback against Feyenoord, powered by goals from Talisca, Youssef En-Nesyri, and others, will be a formidable opponent. Mourinho’s tactical acumen and Fenerbahce’s attacking flair promise a high-stakes battle. 

Benfica, with their rich European history, are determined to reclaim a spot in the 36-team Champions League group stage. Fans eagerly await this blockbuster clash, as the Eagles aim to soar past Fenerbahce for a coveted place among Europe’s elite. 

Benfica continue winger quest to bolster roster for the season

As the summer transfer window heats up, Benfica is actively seeking a dynamic winger to reinforce their attacking options for the 2025-26 season. With ambitions to dominate the Portuguese League and make a strong impression in European competitions, the Eagles are keen to address gaps in their squad, particularly on the flanks.

Benfica’s current wing options lack experience and with the season ending injury to Bruma and possible departure of Akturkoglu before the window closes, the club needs, at minimum two more options to bolster the squad for the upcoming season.

The club is reportedly targeting a winger capable of cutting inside, delivering precise crosses, and contributing goals to complement strikers Vangelis Pavlidis and Franjo Ivanovic. Names linked include promising talents from South America and Europe, with scouts focusing on players blending youth and experience to align with Benfica’s long-term vision.

However, Benfica’s strong financial position, bolstered by recent player sales and competition prize money allows them to compete for top targets. Feyenoord's Anis Hadj Moussa, Man United's Antony and Dario Osorio from Midtjylland are a few of the names that have been linked with Benfica to date.

The transfer window closes September 15 on arrivals to Portugal but with the Portuguese League season under way. The club needs to move quickly while big names are still on the board. 

 

Benfica take the first leg in France over Nice

Benfica delivered a masterclass performance, securing a 2-0 win against  Nice in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round at Allianz Riviera. The Portuguese giants showcased their European pedigree, taking a significant step toward the group stage with a disciplined and clinical display.

The match was a tale of two halves. The first half saw both teams probing cautiously, with Benfica holding slightly more possession (52.6%) but struggling to break through Nice’s organized defense. Nice, despite their home advantage and a strong Ligue 1 campaign last season, managed only two shots on goal. 

The tide turned in the second half when Franjo Ivanovic opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, capitalizing on a precise cross from Aursnes to slot the ball past Nice’s goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf. Florentino Luis sealed the victory in the 88th minute with a stunning long-range strike, leaving Diouf helpless.
 

Benfica’s tactical discipline under Bruno Lage was evident, with their 4-2-3-1 formation stifling Nice’s transitions. Despite missing key players like Tomas Araujo. Kerem Akturkoglu and Bruma, Benfica’s depth shone through, with Vangelis Pavlidis and Aursnes dictating play. Nice, hampered by injuries to Mohamed Abdelmonem and others, struggled to create clear chances.

The result gives Benfica a strong advantage heading into the second leg at home in Lisbon, to move into the playoff stage where either Feyenoord or Fenerbahce will await for a place into this season's Champions League, league phase.

Benfica continues pursuit of winger during summer window

Benfica is actively seeking to bolster their attacking options, with wingers Anis Hadj Moussa, Roger Fernandes, and Dario Osorio emerging as key targets in the transfer market. Following the departure of Angel Di Maria and a season-ending injury to Bruma, the Eagles are prioritizing a dynamic right winger to strengthen their squad for the 2025/26 season.

Anis Hadj Moussa, the 23-year-old Algerian star from Feyenoord, is Benfica’s top choice. Despite rejected offers of €15M plus bonuses, negotiations continue, with Moussa reportedly eager to join. His 11 goals and 3 assists in 43 games last season highlight his potential.

Roger Fernandes, a 19-year-old Portuguese talent from Braga, is a compelling alternative. His five goals and four assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, showcase his promise, but Braga’s €40M asking price poses a significant hurdle. 

Dario Osorio, the 21-year-old Chilean at Midtjylland, was considered but has been deemed too expensive, with negotiations stalled due to high financial demands from the Norwegian club. Benfica’s pursuit reflects their ambition to maintain dominance in the Portuguese League, while balancing youth and experience in their attack. Fans await Rui Costa’s next move.

Benfica soar to Super Cup glory, set sights on Nice

In a thrilling kickoff to the 2025-26 Portuguese season, Benfica clinched the Candido de Oliveira Super Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Sporting at Estádio Algarve yesterday.

The Lisbon giants showcased their resilience, with Vangelis Pavlidis emerging as the hero. His opportunistic 50th-minute strike, deflected off Sporting’s Morten Hjulmand and past Rui Silva, sealing Benfica’s 11th Super Cup triumph.

Despite a tense finish and Sporting’s late pushes, including a squandered chance by Pedro Gonçalves, Benfica’s defense, led by Antonio Silva, held firm. New signings like Richard Rios, who played the full 90 minutes, signaled a promising season under Bruno Lage.

The victory, celebrated by fervent Benfiquistas chanting “I love Benfica!” in the stands, was a morale booster after Benfica’s Club World Cup exit to Chelsea. It also marked sweet redemption following last season’s Taça de Portugal final loss to Sporting. Lage praised his squad’s cohesion after just 15 days of preparation, setting an optimistic tone for the challenges ahead.

Now, Benfica shifts focus to a crucial two-leg UEFA Champions League third-round qualifier against Nice, starting next week. The Eagles face a stern test against the French side, with a playoff berth at stake for the Champions League league phase. 

Despite a modest pre-season, Benfica’s Super Cup performance showed tactical discipline and attacking intent, though Lage will demand sharper finishing to overcome Nice. With new additions like Amar Dedic and Samuel Dahl bolstering the squad, Benfica is poised to soar in Europe. The red-and-white faithful are ready for the pilgrimage south, dreaming of more silverware.