Benfica needs to let Samuel Soares take over in net if Trubin departs

As summer transfer speculation swirls around Anatoliy Trubin’s potential move to Tottenham Hotspur, Benfica needs to stand ready to elevate homegrown talent Samuel Soares to the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper position. The 23-year-old academy product, born on 15 June 2002 in Amadora, represents the club’s commitment to youth development and should be given every opportunity to finally claim the gloves on a permanent basis.

Standing at 1.90m, Soares joined Benfica’s setup in 2013 after starting at local club Tires. He rose through the ranks impressively, playing a starring role in the 2021-22 UEFA Youth League triumph, where Benfica's U19 squad defeated Red Bull Salzburg 6-0 in the final. He also helped secure the 2022 U20 Intercontinental Cup against Penarol. 

Soares has made 22 Portuguese League appearances for Benfica’s first team, across all competitions, showing composure and shot-stopping ability. In 2025-26, he featured in league and cup matches and provided five clean sheets in just six games of action. With Benfica B, he has logged 32 career games in the Second Division and earned Goalkeeper of the Month honours for October/November 2022.

Internationally, the Portugal U21 regular boasts 17 caps (as of mid-2025). He debuted in June 2022 in a 5-1 qualifier win over Belarus and represented his country at the 2023 UEFA European U21 Championship. Earlier youth levels add dozens of caps across U15 to U20 squads.

Samuel Soares’ promotion would mark a full-circle moment for the academy graduate. Athletic, reliable under pressure, and steeped in Benfica DNA, he embodies the club’s future between the posts. Fans and coaches need to see him as ready to lead the line in Europe and domestically. 

With a contract until the summer of 2027, Soares’ ascent could stabilize the goalkeeping department while showcasing Benfica’s renowned academy. The Eagles’ faithful should eagerly anticipate a changing of the guard as this local hero potentially takes flight as the Lisbon sides No. 1 keeper.