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.