Benfica have no plans to add center back in January

Benfica will be looking to make some moves when the January transfer window opens but one of the positions that the club is happy with is the center back position. The club currently have four center backs that are all international players with their respective countries in club captain Nicolas Otamendi, Antonio Silva, Tomas Araujo and Adrian Bajrami.

Although rumours are swirling that River Plate would like to add Otamendi in January, the club has no interest in moving on from the 36 year old during the season and will make a decision on how they will proceed with the upcoming free agent in regards to next season.

Antonio Silva and Tomas Araujo, both have the interest of some of Europe's bigger clubs but the UEFA Youth League championship duo should be the club's number one and number two options for the starting XI for at least a couple of years to come.

The newest addition to the group is Albanian Adrian Bajrami, the 22 year old has come up through Benfica's youth teams since 2018 and has yet to appear in a game with the senior side but the team holds the center back in high regard and we should see more of Bajrami as he moves up the club's depth chart.

Benfica will look for more consistency as league reaches 1/3 mark

Benfica finds itself at a pivotal moment in the Liga Portugal season, sitting in third place with a game in hand. As the team hits the 33% mark of the league campaign, the need for consistency has never been more pressing. The quest for another title is alive but hinges on performance under coach Bruno Lage, who must navigate through the ups and downs of the season.

Benfica currently trail FC Porto by two points and a victory in their game in hand over Nacional will see the club leap frog their northern rivals and sit five points away from league leaders Sporting who will continue the final two thirds of the season without Ruben Amorim who departed the club to take over the managerial position with Man United.

Consistency is critical for any title contender. Dropping points in crucial matches can have lasting repercussions in the league table and Benfica can not afford to drop any number of points in their battle to catch the league leaders as the season progresses.

With the January transfer window approaching the club will do best to hang onto its top talent while shoring up the club at the right back position and acquiring a central midfielder who can provide both attack and defend when needed. 

Benfica's next set of league matches that will take them to the half way mark of the league season could provide a telling story of what direction they will take within the league as the face off against Arouca, Guimaraes, AVS, Nacional, Estoril, Sporting and Braga.

The need for consistency remains paramount if the club aspires for the title. Bruno Lage's ability to navigate through these challenges will be essential in guiding Benfica's fortunes for the rest of the season. One can only hope that the result does not leave anything to desire.

 

Benfica keen on terminating Kabore loan in January

Benfica will be looking to move on from right back Issa Kabore when the transfer window opens in January, as the Lisbon side wants to end the 23 year old's loan move from Manchester City early as they look to move for another right back during the winter window.

Kabore joined Benfica on deadline day this summer and the hope was that he would be an adequate replacement for often injured starter Alexander Bah but he has appeared in only 192 minutes of action this season, providing one assist.

Kabore has failed to impress when called upon and struggles when playing against opponents that play a high press. Look for Benfica to secure a right back before ending Kabore's loan spell and sending him on his way.