Benfica interested in extending Otamendi and Di Maria

Reports are coming out of Portugal that Benfica are open to talking new contract's with upcoming free agents Angel di Maria and the teams captain Nico Otamendi but both players are not in a rush to sign any contract as they decide what they want to do next season.

The Argentinian internationals are both getting up their in age as they are both 37 years old but Benfica are ready to offer both players one year contracts to keep them with the club for another season and have them be part of the club as they compete in the Club World Cup this summer.

Angel di Maria rejoined the club in the summer of 2023 after thirteen years away from first joining in the summer of 2007. While Otamendi arrived in the summer of 2020, after spending time in Portugal previously with rivals FC Porto from the summer of 2010 to 2014.

Both players have appeared in a combined 422 games for the club across all competitions, Otamendi (218), Angel di Maria (204). With Otamendi scoring eleven goals in his time at the club while Di Maria has contributed forty-six. They have combined to win eight cups in that time with Di Maria capturing 5 trophies and Otamendi 3 trophies. 

Pavlidis is the player of the month and Juventus are lurking

Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis has been named the Portuguese League Player of the Month for February after scoring four goals and providing an assist in four games of action. Pavlidis also captured the forward of the month for February earlier in the week.

After a slow start to his Benfica career, the 26 year old Pavlidis has been on fire scoring 13 of his season total of 20 goals across all competitions in the first 10 weeks of 2025. Benfica staff is now looking the wiser having paid an €18M price tag in the summer to acquire his services from AZ Alkmaar 

The Greek International's performance has not gone unnoticed with Italian giants Juventus said to be interested in discussing a possible move to Italy with the striker at the conclusion of the season. Benfica would be wise to hang onto Pavlidis if their is not an offer that knocks their socks off this summer.

Genk right back El Ouahdi re-appears on Benfica radar

Benfica is once again being linked with a summer move for Genk right back Zakaria El Ouahdi. The Eagles looked into the 23 year old Moroccan U23 international this past summer but the club's where unable to agree to terms for El Ouahdi.

Benfica are not alone in their interest for the El Ouahdi with several German clubs also in pursuit of the Genk right back. Benfica continues to deal with problems at the right back position due to constant injuries to starter Alexander Bah and lacking a natural alternative to him.

Benfica are said to be willing to increase their summer bid for El Ouahdi, in what was rumoured to be in the €8M to €10M mark. El Ouahdi has been with Genk since the summer of 2023 and has appeared in 58 games across all competitions for the Belgian side, scoring five goals while providing five helpers.