Benfica land Atletico Madrid center back Clement Lenglet on loan for season

Benfica have completed their first signing of the summer in French center back Clement Lenglet from Atletico Madrid, with the 31-year-old agreeing to join Benfica initially on loan with a mandatory option to buy for no money at seasons end which then adds two more seasons to the deal. Atletico wanted to remove Lenglet's substantial wages from their books for this upcoming season to comply with financial regulations and help reshape their squad.

Benfica are adding an experienced, left-footed defender at a minimal cost. Atletico will retain a future percentage of any sale of the player going forward but no information has yet been released on what that is at the time of this writing. Atletico are more then happy to be saving an estimated €18 million in remaining wages owed to Lenglet through the remainder of his Atletico contract.

Lenglet impressed during a 2024-25 loan from Barcelona with Ateltico that prompted the club to sign him permanently in the summer of 2025 to a three-year deal. However, the 2025-26 season proved difficult as Lenglet made just 19 La Liga starts (1,394 minutes), registering no goals and adding one assist, he was hampered by injuries and a bit-part role.

The Nancy youth product rose to prominence at Sevilla before joining Barcelona in the summer of 2018. He has spent loan spells with Tottenham and Aston Villa before his loan at Atletico. New Benfica coach Marco Silva asked for the player to bolster his central defense and has found his veteran replacement for departed captain Nicolas Otamendi.

This move marks another chapter in Lenglet’s nomadic recent career, shifting from Spain to Portugal as he seeks regular minutes at a top club. Benfica fans will hope his ball-playing ability and aerial presence strengthen their title chances for the upcoming season.  

Wolfsburg readying offer for Benfica right back Dedic

Wolfsburg have expressed interest in signing Benfica’s Bosnian right-back Amar Dedic as they look to bolster their defense ahead of the new Bundesliga season. The 23-year-old, who joined Benfica from RB Salzburg in the summer of 2025 for €12 million, has impressed in his debut season at the Estadio da Luz and has more eyes on him with his participation at World Cup 2026.

Dedic made 24 appearances (21 starts), logging 1,903 minutes. He contributed one goal and four assists, though he picked up three yellow cards and two reds. His performances also featured in European competitions, showcasing versatility and attacking flair from the right flank. He moved into the starting XI, picking up the slack with the often injured Alexander Bah on the shelf again for most of the season.

Benfica are a bit under financial pressure after missing out on the lucrative Champions League this season after finishing third in the league and are expected to offload some key assets this summer to balance the books. Dedic, signed on a long-term deal until 2030, could represent a valuable sale for the Portuguese club. Wolfsburg see the Austria-born defender as a strong, dynamic option to strengthen their backline.

Benfica still have Bah as an option at right back and waiting in the wings is 18-year-old academy star Daniel Banjaqui who has been turning heads at Europe's bigger clubs with his performances throughout Europe with both Benfica and Portugal's youth systems.

Benfica turn once again to Cruzeiro striker Kaio Jorge

Benfica have once again turned their attention to Brazilian striker Kaio Jorge of Cruzeiro, according to recent reports. The 24-year-old forward was heavily linked with a move to the Eagles back in 2021 while at Santos but ultimately made the decision to join Juventus instead.

The Juventus choice did not pan out for Kaio, who struggled to make an impact in Serie A, managing just 11 appearances and no goals over three years. A loan spell at Frosinone yielded three goals in 22 matches, before he returned to Brazil with Cruzeiro in mid-2024 for €7.2 million. 

The move back to Brazil has proven to be the correct one with Kaio exploding in form, during the 2025 season. He netted an impressive 26 goals across competitions, including 21 in the Brasileirao, along with  seven assists, helping establish himself as a top scorer and earning him his first call up to the Brazil national squad.

Cruzeiro are now demanding a substantial €30 million fee for the in-form striker. Benfica coach Marco Silva is said to be an admirer of the player's profile but the club would likely need to offload one of their current strikers, with Franjo Ivanovic being the likely option to fund any deal for Kaio.

Flamengo are also circling with serious interest, driving up the price to any potential transfer. Kaio’s resurgence in Brazil has made him once again a high-value target capable of bolstering Benfica’s attack if  the club sorts out the financial side of the deal.   

Benfica look at La Liga defender for center back opening

Benfica are reportedly interested in signing 24-year-old Cameroonian centre-back Flavien Boyomo from La Liga side Osasuna as they seek a successor to veteran captain Nicolas Otamendi, who departed the club at the end of the 2025-26 season and returned back to Argentina.

Born in Toulouse, France to Cameroonian parents, Boyomo developed at Toulouse's academy before moving to Blackburn Rovers’ youth side in 2016. He played his first senior level game in 2020 with Albacete, making over 90 appearances, before joining Real Valladolid in 2023. He played a key role in their promotion and transferred to Osasuna in 2024 for €5 million, where he has established himself as a reliable starter in La Liga.

The right-footed defender is noted for strong ball-playing ability, progressive passing and is a solid one-on-one defender, though his aerial duels remain an area for improvement. Osasuna have a €25 million release clause on Boyomo and are known to be difficult negotiators.

For Benfica, securing Boyomo would represent a solid, long-term investment while reinforcing their backline. Negotiations have yet to begin as Benfica are still in the information gathering stage of their pursuit and may move on from the player if Osasuna maintains a firm stance on their star defender.  

Benfica schedule of games for July released to fans

Benfica have released their upcoming schedule of games that include two high profile pre-season friendlies in the Algarve against Flamengo and Villarreal before beginning their 2026-27 Europa League second round of qualifying fixtures against Swiss side St. Gallen.

Benfica will take on Brazilian side Flamengo on July 11 and Spanish club Villarreal on July 17 in friendlies with both games taking place at the Estadio Algarve. There UEFA season will then commence as they face St. Gallen on July 23 in Switzerland in the first leg and will then play the second leg at the Luz on July 30.

With World Cup 2026 underway, Benfica will be short a host of regular players for all the games as new manager Marco Silva believes that all players participating at the World Cup deserve to have two weeks off after their country is finished playing at the competition.

Benfica will still have a handful of regulars available including any possible signings over the next month to chose from but expect to see some academy players be included in the squad for both the friendlies and Europa League games. 

The players at this time from last seasons squad that should be available for July set of games include:

Anatoliy Trubin, Antonio Silva, Samuel Dahl, Alexander Bah, Georgiy Sudakov, Manu, Leandro Barreiro, Rafa Silva, Vangelis Pavlidis and Franjo Ivanovic. Gianluca Prestianni is available but is currently suspended by UEFA.

Benfica inquires about free agent striker Mauro Icardi

Portuguese giants Benfica have made initial inquiries for experienced Argentine striker Mauro Icardi, who is set to become a free agent after spending the past three seasons Galatasaray. At 33, the prolific forward may look to be seeking a new challenge in a competitive European league and Benfica views him as a cost-effective, high-impact option to bolster their attacking line.

The Eagles are interested in Icardi’s proven goal-scoring instincts and with questions around squad depth, the need for a clinical No. 9 to compete in the Portuguese League and European competitions becomes all that more important. Signing the experienced Argentine on a free transfer would represent strong value. 

Icardi’s ability to hold up play, finish with both feet and perform in big matches aligns with Benfica’s ambitions for domestic dominance and deeper runs in European games. This past season with Galatasaray, Icardi delivered 16 goals and 3 assists across 47 appearances in all competitions. He netted 14 goals in 31 Super Lig matches, adding contributions in domestic cups while featuring in the UEFA Champions League.

Icardi began his senior career at Sampdoria before shining at Inter Milan, where he served as captain and became a fan favorite. He later moved to PSG and joined Galatasaray in 2023, initially on loan and has scored prolifically for the club with 77 goals in 134 appearances. Should negotiations progress, Benfica could secure a veteran finisher capable of immediate impact. Icardi’s salary demands could be an obstacle for Benfica, after earning slightly over €9 million with Galatasaray last season. 

Benfica eye Wolverhampton defender Toti Gomes as defensive reinforcement

Benfica have quietly been linked with interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back Toti Gomes amid potential defensive reshuffles at the Estadio da Luz this summer. The 27-year-old, who is Wolves' club captain is said to be looking to depart the Wolves after their relegation from the Premier League this past season. His emergence as a target for Benfica could have something to do with the possible exits of key defenders Tomas Araujo or Antonio Silva. Club captain Nico Otamendi is already set to depart the club when his contract ends at the end of this month.

Born in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, Toti began his youth career at Fontainhas (2014–2016), before moving to Cascais and then going to Estoril’s academy (2017–2018). He made his senior debut for Estoril in 2019, appearing in three league matches. In the summer of 2020, Wolves acquired him from Estoril for a measly €789K and loaned him to Swiss side Grasshoppers for the next two seasons where he excelled with 50 appearances and 3 goals, helping the club secure promotion from the Swiss Challenge League.

Since breaking into Wolves’ first team in 2022, Toti has amassed over 123 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals, while providing four helpers. A versatile left-footed defender who is capable of playing both centre-back or left-back, he scored his first Premier League goal in a 1-0 win over Aston Villa in 2023. Reliable and consistent, he earned the Wolves captaincy in August 2025 and has earned two senior caps for Portugal.

Benfica value his experience, leadership qualities and composure under pressure. New manager Marco Silva knows him well from opposing him in England. Toti would add depth to a squad lacking a veteran presence and is a perfect replacement for the departing Otamendi. He would bolster a backline aiming for success in both the Portuguese League and Europe. A return to Portugal might just be what the doctor orders for Toti, despite his past soft spot for rivals FC Porto. 

Benfica linked again with pending Ajax free agent striker

Benfica have rekindled their interest in Dutch striker Wout Weghorst as the 33-year-old prepares to become a free agent with his Ajax contract set to expire on June 30, 2026. The experienced forward is attracting attention from several clubs, including a potential move under new club manager Marco Silva in Lisbon.

This past season playing for Ajax, Weghorst has contributed across all competitions, netting 9 goals while providing 4 assists in 34 appearances (2,193 minutes), primarily in the Eredivisie where he started 21 of 29 games. His physical presence, aerial ability, and hold-up play have provided a reliable focal point despite not hitting peak scoring form.

Weghorst came through the academy of amateur side NEO Borne before progressing via DETO and Willem II. His senior career has taken him across the Netherlands as well as Europe with Weghorst spending time at AZ Alkmaar, Wolfsburg, Burnley, with loans at Besiktas, Manchester United and Hoffenheim before returning home and signing on with Ajax in the summer of 2024.

Benfica view Weghorst as an ideal low risk reinforcement. With the potential departure of current striker Vangelis Pavlidis, his proven experience, leadership, and work rate would add another option up front in the attack. Jose Mourinho was reportedly drawn to his profile during the winter window as a target man capable of linking play and delivering in big moments. Now with Marco Silva at the helm, Weghorst's name is appearing once again alongside Benfica's shopping list and a free transfer would represent smart business for the Eagles who are seeking domestic and European competitiveness. 

Benfica show renewed interest in Lyon left back

Benfica are closely monitoring Lyon left-back Abner Vinicius, with the Brazilian defender viewed as a potential summer target. Lyon reportedly consider him negotiable, opening the door for negotiations as the Lisbon club seek to bolster their defensive options.

Benfica’s interest in the 26-year-old dates back several years. They had monitored him during his impressive spell at Athletico Paranaense, before he moved to Real Betis in January 2023. Abner eventually joined Lyon on in the summer of 2024 from Real Betis for €8 million and signed a five-year contract until 2029.

During the 2025-26 season, Abner established himself as a key player for Lyon. He featured prominently in Ligue 1 action, making 26 appearances and chipping in with 3 goals and 2 assists in 2,160 minutes. He provides attack with his pace, crossing and overlapping runs and is also strong in the defensive side of play. Abner appeared in 7 Europa Leage contests, scoring once while providing a helper.

A move to Benfica this summer could represent an exciting turn for Abner who is a proven talent with that fits Benfica’s model of signing high-potential South Americans who can thrive in Europe and deliver in Portuguese League and European competitions.

Benfica officially announces Marco Silva as new manager

In what turned into a whirlwind of developments in Portugal, Benfica has officially announced the appointment of Marco Silva as the club's new head coach. The move comes just hours after Jose Mourinho’s move to Real Madrid was made official, Real triggered the €15 million release clause following Florentino Perez’s re-election. Mourinho, who provided stability during his brief tenure at the Estadio da Luz, departs for a second spell with the Spanish giants. 

The 48 year old Silva returns to his homeland on a two-year contract with an option for a third year. The highly regarded Portuguese tactician leaves Fulham after five seasons, during which he transformed the Cottagers from Championship winners to a solid mid table Premier League side.

The move marks Silva’s first managerial role in Portugal since the 2014–15 season, when he guided Sporting to a third place finish in Portugal and captured the Taca de Portugal with Sporting, the club’s first major trophy in seven years. He had earlier success at Estoril which included promotion and a strong campaign in the top flight before his move to Sporting.

Throughout his career, Silva has secured three major trophies, the 2011–12 Portuguese Second divistion title with Estoril, the 2014–15 Taca de Portugal with Sporting and the 2015–16 Greek Super League title with Olympiacos. His track record also features strong Premier League performances and consistent player development.

Benfica fans can expect an energetic, attacking style from Silva, who favors a fluid 4-2-3-1 formation emphasizing quick transitions and high pressing. Known for tactical adaptability and man-management, he is expected to bridge the gap to rivals Sporting and FC Porto in next seasons title race while looking to make a mark in Europe. His return to Portugal injects fresh ambition into a Benfica side eager to reclaim domestic supremacy.

The appointment signals a new era at the club. With his proven ability to overachieve and deep knowledge of the Portuguese game, Marco Silva arrives as a pragmatic yet exciting choice to build on Mourinho’s foundations and the club's hope is for him to chase silverware immediately.

Benfica will need to move quick if they are to land Portuguese international

Benfica are moving forward in negotiations to sign Portuguese defensive midfielder Samu Costa from Mallorca, according to multiple reports. The 25-year-old has emerged as a prime target for the Eagles as they look to bolster their midfield ahead of the upcoming new season.

Samu, a combative and technically gifted player, offers the physicality, tactical intelligence, and ball-winning ability that Benfica covet. His performances have drawn comparisons to top defensive midfielders, making him an ideal fit for a club seeking to dominate domestically and compete in Europe. His recent call-up to Portugal’s squad for the 2026 World Cup further enhances his appeal.

Mallorca’s relegation from La Liga at the end of the 2025-26 season has accelerated Costa’s likely departure. Facing financial pressures in the second tier, the island club is expected to cash in on some of their key assets. Samu, who joined Mallorca from Almeria in the summer of 2023 for €3 million, is now valued significantly higher, with reports suggesting a fee in the region of €12-15 million plus add-ons.

Born in Aveiro, Portugal, Samu's youth career began at Beira-Mar (2008–2013), followed by stints at Gafanha and Palmeiras in Portugal, before joining Braga’s academy in the summer of 2016. He progressed to Braga B and made his senior debut with Braga before a successful loan and permanent move to Almeria, where he impressed with over 100 appearances for the club.

A move to Benfica could prove transformative but Benfica know that there will be a lot of eyes watching World Cup 2026 and a strong performance by Samu at the competition could see his price tag soar. This would introduce higher profile clubs with more resources then what the Lisbon club could offer. Missing out on the Champions League next season is doing the club no favours when looking to attract some top signings for next season like Samu.

Marco Silva wants to bring Fulham star to Lisbon with him

Benfica are on the verge of securing Marco Silva as their new head coach, following Jose Mourinho’s imminent departure to Real Madrid. Fulham confirmed this week that Silva will leave Craven Cottage after five successful seasons, paving the way for his return to Portugal.

The 48-year-old Portuguese tactician has reportedly agreed a two-year deal with an option for a third at the Estadio da Luz, positioning him as Mourinho’s successor. Mourinho, who guided Benfica to a third-place finish and Europa League qualification this season, has reportedly signed a contract to return to the Santiago Bernabeu. His formal unveiling is expected after Real Madrid’s presidential election.

Silva’s appointment marks a homecoming for the former right-back, who built a solid reputation in England by leading Fulham from the Championship to stable Premier League status. Benfica fans are optimistic about his attacking philosophy and tactical discipline aligning with the club’s ambitions to challenge rivals FC Porto and Sporting. In a notable early move, sources indicate Silva is eager to reunite with Fulham winger Harry Wilson. The Welsh international, whose contract expires this summer, is set to become a free agent. Silva views the 28-year-old as a key addition to bolster Benfica’s wide options and inject creativity into the attack. Wilson’s pace, crossing ability, and Premier League experience could prove valuable in European competitions. 

Negotiations are advancing rapidly, with an official announcement anticipated soon. Silva’s arrival signals a new era at Benfica as they aim to reclaim domestic dominance and have a great season in Europe's second class competition.
  

Benfica pressing for Wolfsburg striker Dzenan Pejcinovic

Benfica have emerged as one of the front runners to acquire 21-year-old Wolfsburg striker Dzenan Pejcinovic, according to reports from German sports magazine Kicker. The German-Montenegrin forward has impressed despite Wolfsburg’s relegation from the Bundesliga, sparking significant transfer interest.

Benfica have tabled a substantial offer, positioning them ahead of other suitors. However, domestic clubs including Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt and Freiburg are also monitoring the tall, powerful centre-forward. Pejcinovic's preference is to remain in Germany and ideally in the Bundesliga next season.

Wolfsburg's preference is to retain Pejcinovic, who they view as a key to an immediate promotion to the Bundesliga and are demanding well over €20 million for the player who has a contract until 2029.

Born in Munich, Pejcinovic came through Bayern Munich’s youth ranks before moving to Augsburg in 2017. Wolfsburg signed him in the summer of 2022 for €1.25M. 

Pejcinovic spent time on loan at Fortuna Düsseldorf during the 2024-25 seson, before returning to the Bundesliga during this past season, scoring 8 goals in 30 appearances and 12 goals across all competitions. The German U21 international offers physical presence, clinical finishing, and strong aerial ability. Pejcinovic is one of Germany’s brighter young strikers and his future could pass through Lisbon if Benfica gets the right price.