Benfica ends disappointing season with a draw

Benfica's 2023-24 disappointing season is finally over and the off-season can begin tomorrow to improve this club for the upcoming season, which is set to commence in August. Benfica, in their final game of the season, gave up an injury time penalty that allowed Rio Ave to gain a 1-1 draw in a match that saw the club use a handful of second stringers in their final starting eleven.

Benfica does not go home empty handed during the campaign, having captured the Super Cup to kick off the Portuguese season, but that was all the way back in August and many fans, myself included, do not see that as anything but a minor consolation for what turned into a season of sour grapes.

Benfica have a lot of decisions to make over the next couple of months, with the biggest being whether manager Roger Schmidt will continue on the sidelines. The club will also need to find itself a striker and look at improving both wing back positions if they are to succeed going forward.

What is certain this off-season is that the club will see the departure of Rafa Silva, but Orkun Kokcu seems to be a viable replacement, as the Turkish attacking midfielder has looked much improved since being placed in his desired position the past couple of months. 

Let the rumour mill begin as the off season is officially on

Benfica renews contract with Betano for three more years

Benfica have renewed their contract with sleeve sponsor Betano for three more seasons, as the gambling company with remain the club's "Official Betting Sponsor" until the end of 2026-27 season. The sports betting company has been sponsoring Benfica since 2021 and the two sides hope to continue to grow their global presence through this partnership. The Betano sponsorship includes Benfica's B team and under 23 teams.

Benfica ready for new discussions with PSV for left back

Roger Schmidt wants reinforcements at Benfica for next season and is looking at former club PSV for a new starting left back. Schmidt had already asked Benfica upon his arrival for PSV wingback Mauro Junior, but the price tag at the time was higher than Benfica was comfortable paying.

After a season when the club struggled to find a regular left back after the departure of starter Alex Grimaldo during the summer. Schmidt is hoping that the club will land his preferred choice all along in the 25 year old Brazilian left back.

With Junior's contract set to end in the summer of 2025, the Dutch club could be more inclined to move the left back for a lower value to avoid him walking for free. Junior has been at PSV since the summer of 2017 and has appeared in 124 games across all competitions.

Benfica should do what it takes to get a reliable left back after the carousal of left backs that were used this season. Benfica used a total of six different players at some point throughout the season, with many playing out of position. The club will need to make sure they hit on this move, as it will be important to succeed next season.