Benfica looking to make moves as window gets set to close

As the summer transfer window prepares to slam shut, SL Benfica is racing against the clock. Club president Rui Costa has acknowledged that the squad is not yet finalized. Under new manager Marco Silva, the Portuguese giants are orchestrating key final maneuvers to perfect their roster.

The Target Arrivals 

Benfica is heavily prioritizing creative midfield reinforcement before tomorrow's deadline. Negotiations are rapidly progressing with Manchester City to secure a loan deal for attacking midfielder Claudio Echeverri. The 20-year-old Argentine playmaker is highly sought after to add attacking flair to the squad. Additionally, Benfica has explored a move for Almeria's Sergio Arribas and has also been linked with a late push for Wolves defender Hugo Bueno. The club is also close to announcing the acquisition of left back Souffian El Karouani. These potential additions follow the major permanent signings of Joao Palhinha and defender Alessandro Circati earlier in the month.

Potential Departures 

To balance the books and streamline the squad, several exits are also being mapped out. Midfielder Richard Rios is the subject of heavy interest from English side Hull City, who submitted a €30 million opening bid. Ríos is reportedly eager for a Premier League move. There are also indications that goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin could be moved on if a suitable offer materializes. The club is also listening to offers for winger Dodi Lukebakio. Meanwhile, the club has fought off interest for winger Andreas Schjelderup, with Silva viewing him as essential for the campaign ahead. 

Although the Portuguese League window closes on September 15, the majority of leagues will be closing in the next 96 hours. Benfica's hierarchy faces intense pressure to lock down these crucial incoming and outgoing deals as they turn their attention to the season ahead. 

Benfica kick doors open into league phase of Europa League

 

Benfica have punched their ticket to the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League league phase following a dominant qualifying campaign.

The Road to the League Phase

The Portuguese side kicked off their European journey in the second qualifying round against Swiss club St. Gallen. Despite a tight 2–1 away loss in the first leg, Benfica roared back with a dominant 5–0 home victory at the Estadio da Luz to advance 6–2 on aggregate. 

In the third qualifying round, Benfica dismantled Scottish club Heart of Midlothian 7–2 on aggregate, fueled by a resounding 6–1 home victory. They followed up in the play-off round by eliminating Danish side AGF Aarhus 6–2 on aggregate, sealing their progression with a 3–1 away win in Denmark.

This marks Benfica's return to the competition since the 2023/24 season, where they reached the quarter-finals.

League Phase Schedule & Opponents 

Following the draw in Monaco, Benfica's eight unique opponents are set for the formatted 36-team single league phase. They will play four fixtures at home and four on the road. The dates and times of the games will be announced on the next few days with the competition commencing on September 16 or 17.

Benfica's opponents:

Home: AZ Alkmaar, Celtic, Lech Poznan, OFI Crete

Away: AC Milan, Viktoria Plzen, Omonia, NEC Nijmegen 

Strength of Schedule Analysis

Benfica face a highly manageable path with a trip to Italy to take on Ruben Amorim's AC Milan being the toughest game of the league phase on paper.

Benfica have a great opportunity to maximize points in front of their home fans with the schedule presented and will need to navigate their road fixtures. Odds makers have the club as 20-1 favourites to capture the Europa League crown which places them in ninth among the thirty-six entrants.

With a deeply talented squad and a highly favorable fixture list, the Eagles are well-equipped to make a deep run. This tournament represents the perfect stage for Benfica to reassert their status as a dominant force in European football.

Benfica turn to left back for their next reinforcement

Benfica have turned their full attention to landing a new left-back before the summer transfer window slams shut, immediately following their blockbuster signing of midfielder Joao Palhinha today. With the defensive midfield role securely reinforced by the €14 million acquisition from Bayern Munich, manager Marco Silva wants to add experienced depth at the left back position. The player should be able to provide a different style than current starting left back Samuel Dahl.

The Eagles have actively explored a sensational move for Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, weighing up a potential €20 million bid to pride him away from Spain. However, with a deal for Balde increasingly viewed as unlikely due to valuation gaps, Benfica are simultaneously keeping other options warm. The club is evaluating late market alternatives to ensure they bring in a robust competitor before the deadline passes.

One of the names that has popped up in the last 48 hours is Al-Qadsiah left back Souffian El Karouani who has been left out of match day squads due to the Saudi league having limits on foreign players dressed for league games. Al-Qadsiah are said to be open to a loan or permanent transfer of the player. This situation could present an ideal opportunity for Benfica to secure a player who logged a staggering 18 assists at Utrecht last season.

Currently, Benfica is relying on youth academy prospect Jose Neto to back up Dahl and although they also have Rafael Obrador on the books, he has been loaned out again for the season. Benfica manager Marco Silva is hoping that the club can bring in a quality back over the next couple of weeks. Could free agent Portuguese international Raphael Guerreiro's name enter the mix... we shall see. 

Joao Palhinha arrives in Portugal to sign with Benfica

Joao Palhinha has touched down in Lisbon ahead of his landmark Benfica switch. The Portuguese international defensive midfielder arrived in Lisbon on Saturday, signaling the final stages of his highly anticipated transfer to Benfica. The 31-year-old’s arrival has sent waves of excitement through the capital as he prepares to formalize a return to his homeland.

Benfica and Bayern Munich have locked in a definitive permanent transfer agreement. The German champions accepted a structured deal valued at a guaranteed €14 million to €15 million, rising up to €20 million once realistic performance-related add-ons are met. Eager to be closer to his family, Palhinha personally prioritized the Eagles, turning down aggressive Premier League interest from both Newcastle United and Aston Villa.

 

This brings a swift end to his time at Bayern, who originally signed him from Fulham for €50 million in the summer of 2024. Palhinha fell out of favour with Bayern after his first season and spent last season on loan at Tottenham were some of his key game winning goals late in the season, helped the London side avoid relegation from the English top flight.

Palhinha's career has spanned several clubs as he came through Sacavenense's youth system before joining Sporting's academy. He would spend loan spells with Moreirense, Belenenses and Braga before breaking into Sporting's main squad. Sporting would cash in on Palhinha's fine form in the summer of 2022 and move him to Fulham before he joined current club Bayern Munich. The final details of the contract with Benfica is expected to be rubber-stamped over the coming days and fans can rejoice with a key addition added to the squad. 

Benfica secure dominant victory over Danish champs AGF

Benfica secured a dominant 3-1 victory over Danish champions AGF Aarhus at the Estadio da Luz in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League playoff tie. Marco Silva’s side showcased their formidable attacking form right from the opening whistle. Rafa Silva opened the scoring just two minutes into the match, converting a close-range effort to send the home crowd into an early frenzy.

Benfica continued to heavily dictate the tempo and doubled their advantage in the 31st minute when Leandro Barreiro found the back of the net off a corner kick routine. Though AGF Aarhus momentarily clawed their way back into the game through a Sebastian Jorgensen strike in the 36th minute, the Portuguese giants quickly re-established control.

Vangelis Pavlidis added a clinical third goal late in the first half to secure a comfortable cushion. Aarhus goalkeeper Mads Hedenstad was the star of the match, making several key saves in the second half to prevent a heavier defeat. Benfica heads to Denmark next week with a commanding two-goal aggregate advantage as they look to move into the Europa League, league phase.

Benfica refuse to give up in chase for Joao Palhinha

Benfica are refusing to give up on Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha. After the German champions rejected an initial loan proposal, the Portuguese giants structurally pivoted. Seeking to reinforce their squad under newly appointed manager Marco Silva, Benfica are preparing a permanent four-year contract, intending to split Bayern's required €25 million transfer fee across two seasons.

The 31-year-old Portugal international is eager to return home primarily for family reasons, as his young children reside with his ex-spouse in Portugal. Palhinha is said to be open to a salary reduction to move the deal forward. Furthermore, the move offers an attractive homecoming; Palhinha spent a portion of his youth career at the Lisbon club and remains highly motivated to reunite with Silva, his former manager at Fulham for two seasons.

Palhinha spent last season on loan with Tottenham, where he made forty-four appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals while providing two assists in 2,585 minutes of action. Palhinha was a key defensive cog in Tottenham's midfield and scored two massive game winning goals late in the season to help the Spurs secure a spot in the Premier League this season and avoid relegation.

Securing his signature will not be simple, as heavy competition looms abroad. Premier League side Newcastle United have established contact with Bayern, exploring a permanent deal to secure experienced midfield leadership. Additionally, Aston Villa were heavily involved in prolonged loan talks earlier this summer, while Sporting and Tottenham  have previously monitored the situation. Ultimately, Benfica are banking heavily on the midfielder's distinct personal preference to edge out financially superior English suitors and finalize a landmark return to his homeland. 

Benfica advance in Europa League and face AGF for place in league phase

Benfica have officially secured their passage into the final qualification stretch of the UEFA Europa League. The Eagles safely maneuvered through their second-leg encounter against Scotland’s Hearts, playing out a composed 1–1 draw at Tynecastle Park. The result comfortably cushioned their explosive 6–1 first-leg masterclass at the Estadio da Luz, finalizing a dominant 7–2 aggregate victory.

When the hosts threatened an unlikely comeback, winger Dodi Lukebakio struck a decisive equalizer to extinguish any Scottish hopes. Manager Marco Silva now shifts his tactical focus to the play-off round, where Danish outfit AGF Aarhus awaits. This upcoming two-legged battle represents the final barrier blocking Benfica's path to the tournament's newly formatted league phase.

The Portuguese giants will lean on their home faithful for the opening leg in Lisbon on August 20, before traveling to Denmark for the high-stakes return fixture at Ceres Park on August 27. With European ambitions hanging in the balance, maintaining this sharp momentum is paramount to a successful campaign. The loser of this tie automatically qualifies for the Conference League, league phase. 

Benfica hand the captain's arm band to Fredrik Aursnes

Benfica have appointed Norwegian midfielder Fredrik Aursnes as the club’s new captain for the 2026-27 season. The decision was confirmed by head coach Marco Silva during a press conference, marking a new leadership era at the Estadio da Luz.

Aursnes, who joined the club in 2022, becomes the 46th player to wear the captain’s armband in Benfica’s history, following a long line of leaders dating back to the early 1900s. He replaces long-serving Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi, who departed the club in the summer after serving as captain since 2022. Antonio Silva, who had occasionally worn the armband, also left for Bournemouth in the past week.

The new captaincy hierarchy sees Tomas Araújo as the primary vice-captain, followed by goalkeeper Samuel Soares, defender Clement Lenglet and midfielder Leandro Barreiro. Aursnes’ consistency, professionalism and experience make him a natural choice to lead the Eagles into the new campaign under Silva.

Benfica set to kick off Portuguese League season today looking to maintain strong form

Benfica begin their 2026-27 Portuguese League campaign today with a home fixture against Academico de Viseu at the Estadio da Luz. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:30 local time as the Eagles look to transfer their recent European momentum into domestic action.

The Lisbon side have impressed at home during UEFA Europa League qualifying. They responded to a first-leg defeat by thrashing St. Gallen 5-0 in the second qualifying round, then dismantled Hearts 6-1 in the first leg of the third qualifying round this past Thursday.

 

Those dominant displays underlined Benfica’s attacking potency in front of their own supporters. Manager Marco Silva and players will aim to carry that confidence into the league opener against newly promoted Academico. A strong start is vital as Benfica seek to challenge for the title after finishing third last season. 

Note that the match will be played behind closed doors due to a disciplinary sanction. With a second leg against Hearts still to come in midweek, Benfica must balance European and league priorities. A positive result today would set an early marker and reinforce the fortress status of the Estadio da Luz. 

Benfica push for Europa League, league phase

Benfica are advancing through the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League qualifiers in pursuit of the league phase. In the second qualifying round, the Eagles overcame Swiss side St. Gallen 6-2 on aggregate. After a narrow 2-1 first-leg defeat away, Benfica responded emphatically with a 5-0 home victory at Estadio da Luz on, powered by a Vangelis Pavlidis hat-trick plus.

Now in the third qualifying round, Benfica face Scottish club Hearts. The first leg is scheduled for tomorrow,  on August 6 at Estadio da Luz, with the return at Tynecastle Park on August 13. Victory would propel them into the play-offs, where the draw has paired the winner against the loser of AGF Aarhus versus Sabah.

Those ties are set for August 20 and 27. As one of the highest-ranked sides in the main path, Benfica remain strong favorites to reach the 36-team league phase and continue their European campaign this season. 

Benfica prioritizes Cruzeiro centre-back Jonathan Jesus

Portuguese giants Benfica have made Cruzeiro’s 22-year-old centre-back Jonathan Jesus a priority target. The Brazilian is seen as an ideal replacement for Antonio Silva, who joined Bournemouth for €25 million, adding depth with the free agent departure of Nicolas Otamendi at the end of the season.

Reports indicate Jesus’ agent is in Lisbon for talks with Benfica officials, including Rui Costa. The player, under contract until June 2029 with a €100 million release clause, has attracted strong interest. Real Sociedad offered €15 million, which Cruzeiro rejected, with the Brazilian club reportedly seeking at least €20 million. Benfica are prepared to match or exceed the €15 million figure. Other interested clubs include Real Betis and Valencia from La Liga, while Zenit previously made an approach.

Signed from Ceara in mid-2024 for €1.43 million, Cruzeiro purchased 90% of his economic rights. Jesus has rapidly established himself as a regular at Cruzeiro, the right-footed defender is comfortable on both sides of the central defense. In 2025 he featured in 31 matches, scoring once and providing one assist. This season, he has already made 26 appearances across all competitions with one goal, delivering consistent defensive solidity that would strengthen Benfica’s back line for domestic and European challenges.