Torino set to activate buy clause for Rafael Obrador, making Benfica loan permanent

Italian club Torino is poised to make Spanish left-back Rafael Obrador’s loan from Benfica permanent by activating the €9 million buy option in his contract. The 22-year-old defender has impressed during his temporary spell in Serie A, earning a permanent move as the season concludes.

Obrador joined Benfica from Real Madrid in July 2025 for approximately €5 million on a deal until 2030. Limited to just one senior appearance (plus two for Benfica B) in the first half of the 2025-26 season, he was loaned to Torino in January 2026. In Serie A, the left-back has featured prominently, making around 16 appearances (mostly starts), scoring 1 goal and providing 3 assists while logging over 1,100 minutes. His solid defensive contributions, attacking overlaps, and consistency have strengthened Torino’s backline.

Benfica’s decision to facilitate the sale stems from squad planning and financial strategy. With limited playing time for Obrador in Lisbon and the club balancing books amid not participating in the Champions League next season, the €9 million fee represents a healthy profit on their €5 million investment. Real Madrid will continue to retain 50% of Obrador's rights.

For Torino, securing Obrador permanently bolsters defensive depth with a young, versatile talent suited to Serie A’s demands. The move signals the club’s ambition to build a competitive squad for the upcoming campaign. At 22, Obrador has significant upside, transitioning from Real Madrid academy prospect to a potential European performer.