Benfica open talks with United for Antony loan

Benfica have opened discussions with Manchester United for out of favour 24 year old winger Antony, who has yet to make one start in league action since the arrival of new club manager Ruben Amorim.

Benfica are looking to strengthen their depth at the right wing position and feel that Antony would be a perfect backup to current starter Angel di Maria and be able to supplement the 36 year old star, who the club would prefer to rest on occasions. 

Benfica is in competition for Antony alongside Real Betis and Olympiacos, but it is still uncertain if United are looking to move out the player who arrived at the club for a hefty price tag of €95M in the summer of 2022.

His career at United started off exceptionally well under the guidance of the club's former manager, Erik Ten Hag, but his career has flopped to the wayside for some time now with what can only be a lack of confidence in his own game.

Benfica will have to negotiate with United on the player's remaining salary for the season if a loan were to take place, with Antony still set to earn over £5M to finish off the season.

Torino want to bring Arthur Cabral back to Italy

Torino has made an initial offer to Benfica for striker Arthur Cabral according to Sky Sport Italy, as they look to bring the Brazilian back to Italy for a second stint in Serie A after Cabral spent 18 months with Fiorentina before joining Benfica in the summer of 2023 for €20M.

Despite his struggles in Portugal and limited playing time, Cabral is still an in-demand striker and would likely welcome any move that would have his playing time increase. Cabral has appeared in 20 games at the club this season across all competitions, scoring five goals while providing one helper in 544 minutes of action.

Benfica blow chance to move back to top of league

Benfica had the opportunity to move back into top spot after league leaders Sporting played Guimaraes to a 4-4 draw on Friday but the Lisbon club stumbled at the Luz, losing to Braga 2-1, their second straight loss in league action after losing to city rivals Sporting the previous week.

Benfica had another lackluster first half against Braga which led to their downfall as they went into the half down 2-0, it was the same disappointing performance that proved costly in their loss to Sporting. 

There second half was much better but they could not come back to take any points in the game and now sit in third spot as the season reaches the halfway point of the campaign.

Benfica will face Braga in a rematch on Wednesday in Leiria for a place in the League Cup Finals, then travel to the Algarve for a round of 16 Taca de Portugal game against Farense and then kick off the second half of the season versus Famalicao on the 17th.