English club Newcastle are reportedly interested in Benfica play maker Rafa Silva as an addition to the club for next season and are just awaiting to see what their finances look like amid the COVID-19 virus. Newcastle are said to be ready to offer Benfica between €15M-€20M for the 26 year old winger but the Lisbon side will likely hold off on selling Rafa if it does not receive at least a €25M to €30M offer from the Baggies. Benfica acquired Rafa from Braga for €16M in the summer of 2016 and he has appeared in 125 games across all competitions since joining the club, scoring 35 goals while assisting on 20. Rafa was also a member of Portugal's winning Euro 2016 squad and their 2019 Nations League title winners.
Benfica who are already being linked to Rio Ave striker Taremi and Boavista keeper Helton Leite within the Portuguese League could be looking to add more from within the league due to the current COVID-19 crisis as the club looks to tighten their budget for the time being going forward. Benfica who by adding Taremi and Leite strengthen their striker and keeper positions will also be in the market for a right back, central defender or two and a midfielder.
Starting at center back we revisit an earlier blog post which saw us discuss the potential acquisitions by Benfica of Braga center back Bruno Wilson and Rio Ave center back Toni Borevkovic who could both be added for a reasonable price value. Benfica could also look at Moreirense's Steven Vitoria for an added veteran presence in the number three or four role.
Benfica have set their sights on acquiring Iranian striker Taremi from Rio Ave during the summer transfer window as the club looks within the league to bolster their squad next season as opposed to splashing millions of dollars abroad amid the current COVID-19 pandemic. The 27 year old joined Rio Ave in the summer from Qatar side Al Gharafa on a free transfer and has scored 11 goals in 27 games across all competitions. Benfica will have competition for Taremi's services from rivals FC Porto and Sporting but are counting on their good relationship with Rio Ave to seal the deal for Taremi.
