Joao Mario set to return to starting XI

Joao Mario is set to return to Benfica's starting XI this weekend as Benfica get set to travel to Bessa to take on Boavista in Week 23 action. The 29 year old midfielder was out of action the past two league games, the first after testing positive for COVID-19 and the second saw youngster Paulo Bernardo play in his place as he sat on the bench for the clubs full 90 minutes. Joao Mario has started 17 out of the clubs 22 league games this season, scoring two goals in league play while also setting up a pair.

Benfica ready to bring Angel Di Maria home

Benfica are ready to make an offer to former winger Angel Di Maria this summer when the current PSG player becomes a free agent, as the club looks to bolster it's attack for next season. Twelve years have now past since the 33 year old wore Benfica colours but his fondness of his first club in Europe still remains high but Benfica will not be alone in their pursuit of Di Maria who also has interest from Spanish club Atletico Madrid and Italian side Juventus.

Di Maria arrived in Portugal from Argentinian club Rosario Central in the summer of 2007 to join Benfica after the club purchased the player for €8M. Di Maria went on to play three seasons at Benfica before departing to join the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United and his current club PSG. Di Maria appeared in 119 games across all competitions for Benfica, scoring 19 goals while setting up an additional 28 and was a key member of Benfica's 2009/10 Portuguese League title.

Benfica's hopes of landing Di Maria may well depend on the clubs ability to qualify for next seasons Champions League group stage as the Argentinian has made it known that he wants to remain in Europe with his sights set on being called up to his country's national team for their run at next winters World Cup in Qatar. Benfica fans can only hope that a reunion with the magician is in the cards this summer.

Benfica have quiet winter transfer window

Benfica have had a quiet winter transfer window, leaving their current squad mainly intact as the majority of most major league transfer windows have closed except for the Russian, Ukraine and Swiss leagues who have days to weeks before they close their own windows. Benfica did see the departure of a trio of players on loan until seasons end with Gedson Fernandes joining Rizespor, Ferro landing at Hadjuk Split and Pizzi moving to Istanbul Basaksehir.

Pizzi the long time Benfica midfielder and former league MVP has seen his playing time diminish this season to the point that he was barely seeing any action while Gedson and Ferro barely even touched their cleats to grass with the club this season. The conclusion of these moves, is that they will have little to any effect on the current squad and will give the club the opportunity to see what they have in their own systems as youngsters Paulo Bernardo and Henrique Araujo get a look.