Benfica linked with move for Independiente midfielder

Benfica are being linked with summer move for Independiente midfielder Felipe Loyola according to reports from Argentina, as the club looks to bolster squad for the 2025-26 season.

The 24 year old Chilean international has only arrived in Argentina during this past summer but he has already caught the attention of some of Europe's bigger clubs, as the versatile player who can play both center and defensive midfield but also right back if required.

Loyola has appeared in 11 games so far this year with Independiente scoring one goal while providing two helpers and has appeared in 31 games across all competitions with the Argentinian side since arriving from Huachipato for €1.65M.

Benfica continue their South American search for players, as they have the past few seasons as the club looks for bargain prices to acquire some hidden gems that will help the club and then sell them for profit as they have with Enzo Fernandez and Marcos Leonardo that past few seasons.

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.