Benfica get reinforcements for crucial second leg Europa League game

As Benfica prepares for the decisive second leg of their UEFA Europa League second qualifying round tie against St. Gallen this week at Estadio da Luz, a major boost has arrived for the club with the full return of their 2026 World Cup participants.

Key players including Fredrik Aursnes, Richard Rios, Andreas Schjelderup and Dodi Lukebakio have all arrived at the Luz as they were enjoying post-tournament rest after featuring at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The players are now back in training and expected to bolster Marco Silva’s squad. These internationals missed the challenging first leg in Switzerland, where a depleted Benfica side fell to a 2-1 defeat to the hosts.

The Eagles will welcome the greater squad depth with the integration of recent arrivals like Clement Lenglet and Jakub Kaminski, alongside academy talents who stepped up admirably in the first leg. With a one-goal deficit to overturn, the timely reinforcements provide fresh legs, tactical options and experience in the high-stakes European night.

Supporters are optimistic that the return of these stars will help Benfica assert dominance at home and over turn the first leg deficit to advance to the next phase of the competition and avoid an embarrassing drop to the Conference League if they fail to do so.

Marco Silva era commences with two slaps to face in Europa League loss

In a sobering start to the 2026-27 season, Benfica fell to a 2-1 defeat away to Swiss side St. Gallen in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round. For new head coach Marco Silva, it was a harsh introduction to the competitive season at the club, one that felt like two sharp slaps to the face on what should have been a night of promise even with a squad missing more than a handful of regulars thanks to the World Cup and injuries.

St. Gallen took a deserved lead in the 37th minute when Aliou Balde finished clinically from a tight angle beating Benfica keeper Anatoliy Trubin high after a high recovery and quick transition down the left side of the field. The goal exposed Benfica's vulnerabilities in possession and defensive organization. The Eagles would respond quickly, just before halftime through Rafa Silva, who slotted home  the ball following a fast break involving Vangelis Pavlidis. However, the hosts  would regain the lead in the 80th minute as Tom Gaal headed home unmarked from a Lukas Daschner free-kick, capitalizing on Benfica's continued poor marking.

Benfica struggled with ball retention against St. Gallen's intense pressing, looked disjointed in the midfield and lacked sharpness, partly due to several key players missing from the squad for the contest. Possession favored the visitors on paper, but St. Gallen created more danger and showed greater cohesion under coach Enrico Maassen. Errors in transition and marking proved costly for Silva's side on this night.

Despite the loss, there is tangible hope for the return leg at the Estadio da Luz next Thursday on July 30. Several World Cup participants, that include Tomas Araujo, Amar Dedic, Richard Rios, Andreas Schjelderup, Dodi Lukebakio and Fredrik Aursnes, are set to integrate with the club. With reinforcements like Clement Lenglet and Jakub Kaminski already in the squad, Benfica should field a far stronger and fitter XI capable of overturning the one-goal deficit at home.

Silva's debut exposed the challenges of an early European tie with a transitional squad, but the tie remains very much alive. A response in Lisbon will be essential to silence early doubters and launch the new era positively or this could be a long season and it's only July.

Benfica ready to kick off Europa League action Thursday

Benfica will kick off their Europa League campaign this Thursday when they travel to Switzerland to take on St. Gallen in a first leg contest before returning home on July 30 for the second leg.

Benfica enter the competitions second round qualifying stage and will be looking to advance to the third round with a victory where they would face the loser of the Sturm Graz and Hearts, Champions League two leg qualifier in the third qualifying round.

If Benfica were not to get past St. Gallen they would drop to the Conference League were they would take on the winner of Sheriff or Maccabi Tel-Aviv in the 3rd qualifying round.

Benfica are playing their earliest competitive match ever for a UEFA competition which is quite shocking for a club that came off an undefeated league season. Thanks to Torreense's triumph in the Taca de Portugal they took away the Eagles automatic entry to the league phase of the competition.

Benfica poised to secure Jhon Duran on loan from Al-Nassr

Benfica are on the verge of landing Colombian striker Jhon Duran on a season-long loan from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. The 22-year-old striker, known for his explosive pace, physicality and clinical finishing, could provide a dynamic option in the Portuguese League as Benfica looks to bolster their attacking options up front.

Details of the deal indicate that Al-Nassr will continue to cover a significant portion of Duran’s high salary, reportedly in the region of €15.3 million annually, with Benfica assuming a smaller share. This arrangement helps the Eagles manage their wage bill while securing a high potential talent. Reports suggest the loan may include a buy option, though it will not be a mandatory buy option.

Duran’s career has been nomadic yet productive. He began at Envigado in Colombia, scoring 9 goals in 47 appearances, before moving to MLS side Chicago Fire . A £18m switch to Aston Villa in January 2023 saw him net 20 goals in 78 matches, often as a high-impact substitute, which included strong Champions League showings.

In January 2025, he joined Al-Nassr for €77 million to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, scoring 12 goals in 18 appearances before being loaned to Fenerbahce and Zenit last season.  At just 22, Duran brings versatility, aerial ability and is a proven goal scoring threat. For Benfica, this move represents a low-risk, high-reward gamble on a player with international experience with Colombia and success in Lisbon could revive his trajectory back toward the elite level.  

Marco Silva asks Benfica President for reinforcements at certain positions

Newly appointed Benfica coach Marco Silva has urged club president Rui Costa to act swiftly in the transfer market, insisting on three key reinforcements to challenge for domestic and European success next season. Silva, who took charge of the Eagles with high expectations following his previous managerial spells, has identified critical areas needing immediate improvement.

The Portuguese tactician is specifically targeting a central midfielder to control games, an explosive winger capable of stretching opposition defenses and a striker to boost the team’s goal-scoring output in a starting or coming off the bench role. Silva believes the current squad, while talented, lacks the depth and balance required to compete at the highest level against rivals FC Porto and Sporting, as well as in the Europa League competition. President Rui Costa, known for his strategic approach to squad building, is now under pressure to deliver.

With the summer transfer window open, Benfica fans eagerly await announcements on reinforcements as Silva aims to stamp his tactical identity on the team. The club’s ambition remains clear for the 2026-27 season, reclaim the Portuguese League title along with any other trophy in Portugal and look to make a deep run in Europe. Silva’s requests could shape Benfica’s campaign significantly.

Could Benfica actually land Rafael Leao from Milan...

Benfica have emerged as one of the most concrete suitors for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao as the Portuguese international signals his desire for a new challenge ahead of the summer transfer window. The Eagles are monitoring the 27-year-old closely, with reports indicating that new bench boss Marco Silva is an avid supporter of such a move. AC Milan, under new manager Ruben Amorim, appear open to a sale after a disappointing campaign and have lowered their asking price to around €50 million.

Leao’s potential homecoming carries deep sentimental value. Born in Almada in 1999, the talented forward nearly joined Benfica’s academy as a youngster. He signed with the club but was left devastated when promised transportation failed to materialize, leading him to crosstown rivals Sporting instead. After progressing through Sporting’s academy, he made his senior debut in 2018, scoring once in four Primeira Liga appearances and winning the Taca da Liga. Leao moved to Lille in 2018. There, he impressed with 8 goals in 26 Ligue 1 matches during the 2018-19 season.

In 2019, AC Milan secured his services for €49.5 million. Leao blossomed into a star, playing a key role in their 2021-22 Serie A title triumph and earning the league’s MVP award in the process. Known for his explosive pace, dribbling and versatility on the left wing, he has become one of Europe’s most dynamic attackers. In the 2025-26 season, Leao recorded 9 goals and 3 assists in 29 Serie A appearances, plus adding another goal in the Italy Cup and appeared in 1,968 minutes of action across all competitions.

Any deal to Benfica would set a club record fee for the acquisition of a player but a player of Leao's skill set would be a boom for the Lisbon side and send a major statement to the league of the club's intent to return to the top of Portugal. Leao would get the fresh start his is looking for near family after seasons away from his homeland. Whether the move materializes remains to be seen, but interest from his boyhood club adds intrigue to the summer market and places other league club's on notice and we are sure someone will pick up Leao this time around.

Trabzonspor pushing hard to land Benfica winger Prestianni

Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor have intensified their pursuit of young Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni, with negotiations advancing rapidly this summer. The 20-year-old Benfica winger, who joined the Portuguese giants from Velez Sarsfield in early 2024 for €9 million, has emerged as a prime target following Trabzonspor's recent signing of former Benfica player Sidny Cabral.

Talks between the clubs are at an advanced stage. Multiple reports indicate official discussions have advanced, with Trabzonspor preparing a formal bid in the €20 million range plus performance bonuses, which is inline with what Benfica are opening to moving on from the player. Personal terms between the player and club appear close to an agreement, with the player reportedly open to a contract until 2030.

Benfica's openness to a sale stems from squad planning under new manager Marco Silva and the chance to secure a healthy profit on their investment after first-team minutes for the promising but raw attacker. Prestianni scored 3 goals and added 6 assists across all competitions in the 2025-26 season in 2,126 minutes of action. A move would allow Prestianni regular playing time in a competitive environment while providing the Eagles with funds as they look to reinforce their club for the coming season.

Benfica ready to trigger Cologne winger release clause

Benfica are reportedly set to activate the €20 million release clause in Jakub Kaminski’s contract, according to Sky Germany. The 24-year-old Cologne winger and Polish international has emerged as a prime target for  Benfica as they look to bolster their attacking options for the coming season.

Kaminski enjoyed a strong 2025-26 season on loan with Cologne from Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, appearing in 34 league matches. He scored 7 goals, while providing 5 assists and played 3,023 minutes of game time. Cologne made the loan move permanent for €5.5 million at the conclusion of the season.

His direct style, pace and ability to cut inside from the left flank made him one of the standout performers on the German club this past season. Born in Ruda Slaska, Poland the left winger began his career at Szombierki Bytom academy (2010-2015) before joining Lech Poznan’s youth setup. He progressed through Lech’s second team and then onto the senior side (2019-2022). 

A 2022 move to Wolfsburg followed, where he made over 70 appearances before the loan to Cologne revived his career. With interest also from clubs like RB Leipzig, Cologne remain hopeful of retaining the player, but Benfica’s willingness to meet the clause could accelerate a swift transfer. The move would represent a significant step in Kaminski’s development and what could turn out to be a valuable edition to Benfica.

Benfica open to a Trubin move if the right price comes along

The future of Anatoliy Trubin is being described as uncertain and it is reported that Benfica are open to moving on from player if a favorable financial offer is made to the club. Shakhtar retains a 40 percent sell on clause on Trubin, so they have a vested interest in the 24 year old keeper who cost Benfica 10 million euros back in the summer of 2023.

The shot-stopper quickly became the club's first-choice keeper, impressing with his commanding presence, shot-stopping and occasional goal-scoring heroics, including a memorable late strike against Real Madrid in this past seasons Champions League.

Across all competitions, Trubin has made 149 appearances for Benfica. His consistent performances have drawn Premier League attention, with Benfica potentially open to offers of around €40 million. A departure would mark the end of a successful but relatively short chapter for the talented Ukrainian international.

Benfica have Portugal U21 international keeper Samuel Soares on deck and the hope is that the club will give the youngster an opportunity to take hold of the starting keeper position but would be wise to sign a veteran back stopper who does not mind playing a supporting role to Soares. 

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.