Benfica linked again with Genk striker Tolu

Benfica is once again eyeing Tolu Arokodare, the talented striker from Genk, for a summer transfer. The Nigerian forward's impressive performances have caught the eye of top European clubs. Last season, Benfica showed interest in Arokodare, and now they may look to step up their pursuit when the transfer window opens this summer. 

The race for Arokodare has heated up with giants like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund also being linked with also making a move for the striker. Securing a young, scoring forward like Arokodare could boost Benfica’s attack and add long-term value to their squad.

Benfica's interest in Arokodare is not new. Several reports from last season confirmed the club had their eyes on the striker. They admired his physical presence, goal-scoring record, and age—just 24, with room to develop. Some sources even suggested lightweight negotiations with Genk about a possible deal. The club's scouts saw Arokodare as a player who could grow into a leading striker, fitting into Benfica's plans for their attacking line.
 

With the current form of starting XI striker Vangelis Pavlidis, Arokodare would be brought in to back up the Greek international but with Andrea Belotti and Zeki Amdouni loans coming to an end and Benfica looking to move on from Arthur Cabral, the club will need more fire power up front for next season.

Arokodare currently is the top scorer in the Belgian League this season with 17 goals and has scored 22 goals across all competitions while providing 7 helpers in 40 games of action. No dollar figures are yet being disclosed but Benfica may need to go as high as €20M to secure an agreement with Genk and get the player's signature.  

Benfica headed to their 39th Taca de Portugal Final

Benfica stamped their pass to the Taca de Portugal final on May 25, 2025, at the Jamor, where they will face cross-town rivals Sporting. Benfica will be looking to capture their 27th title and first since the 2016-17 season.

Benfica easily handled fourth division side Tirsense in the two leg affair, winning 9-0 on aggregate with scores of 5-0 and 4-0 in the contest. Benfica decided to rest just about all their starters for the second leg, which is important with four games left in the season and the club battling to capture the Portuguese title.

Hats off to Tirsense for making the semi-finals, but they were no match for Benfica, who totally outclassed them in the tie. Tirsense can take solace in the fact that they will receive over €50,000 for making the semi-final stage of the competition, which will go a long way towards the club's finances.

Benfica and Sporting will meet in their second consecutive competition final, having met earlier this year in the Taca da Liga Final that Benfica captured in January. The two club's are also level on points for the Portuguese title and have what may be a title deciding game in Week 33 at the Luz.

What it would take for Benfica to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s star right-back, is set to become a free agent in July 2025, as his contract is due to expire on June 30, 2025. Multiple reports indicate that Real Madrid are the front runners to sign him, with negotiations reportedly advanced and a five-year deal on the table. 

For Benfica to sign Alexander-Arnold, they would need to overcome significant challenges and meet specific conditions. Here’s an analysis of what it would take for Benfica to secure his signature.

Outmaneuvering Real Madrid and Other Competitors:

Real Madrid are heavily favored to sign Alexander-Arnold, with sources like The Guardian, BBC Sport, and Sky Sports reporting that he is keen on joining the Spanish giants and has rejected Liverpool’s contract offers. Other clubs, such as Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich, could also enter the race, given his status as one of the world’s best right-backs.

Benfica must offer a compelling project that rivals Real Madrid’s prestige, history, and competitive prospects. Benfica would need to highlight their consistent participation in the UEFA Champions League (they’ve qualified for the last several seasons) and their track record of developing and selling talent to top clubs (e.g., João Félix, Rúben Dias, Darwin Núñez).

Present a unique selling point, such as guaranteed playing time, a leadership role, or a tailored tactical system that maximizes Alexander-Arnold’s creative abilities. Real Madrid’s squad includes Dani Carvajal and other defensive options, which could create competition, whereas Benfica could position Alexander-Arnold as their undisputed star.

Financial Incentives:

As a free agent, Alexander-Arnold will command a significant signing-on fee, high wages, and performance bonuses. Real Madrid, with their financial muscle, are reportedly offering a lucrative package, and Liverpool’s rejected contract proposals suggest Alexander-Arnold’s expectations are high. Benfica, while financially stable, operate on a smaller budget compared to elite European clubs.

Benfica must offer a competitive signing-on fee, potentially in the range of €10-20 million, to match or approach what Real Madrid or other clubs might propose. This would be a significant investment for Benfica, who typically focus on developing younger players.

Structure a wage package that aligns with Alexander-Arnold’s market value, likely around €200,000-300,000 per week, which would make him the highest-paid player in Portugal. Benfica could offset this by including performance-based bonuses (e.g., for Champions League qualification or goals/assists). 

Highlight the financial benefits of living in Portugal, such as lower taxes compared to Spain or England, and the potential for future moves to top clubs, which could preserve his market value.

Tactical and Sporting Fit:

Alexander-Arnold is a unique player known for his exceptional passing, crossing, and set-piece ability, often operating as a playmaker from the right-back position or even inverting into midfield. Benfica’s current system under manager Bruno Lage (or any new manager in 2025) would need to suit his skill set, and the club would need to convince him of their competitive ambitions. 

Benfica must demonstrate a tactical setup that maximizes Alexander-Arnold’s strengths. Benfica typically play a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, with attacking full-backs, which could suit him. They would need to assure him of freedom to influence games creatively, similar to his role under Jürgen Klopp and Arne Slot at Liverpool.

Emphasize their domestic dominance (Benfica have won the Primeira Liga in multiple recent seasons) and their ambition to compete in the Champions League. Provide a clear pathway for Alexander-Arnold to maintain his status as an elite player, potentially by positioning him as a key figure in a squad rebuild or a new era for the club.

Addressing Alexander-Arnold’s Ambitions:

At 26, Alexander-Arnold has already won every major trophy with Liverpool, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Club World Cup. His move is likely driven by a desire for a new challenge, possibly in a different league, and to continue competing at the highest level. Real Madrid offer the chance to win more Champions League titles and play alongside stars like Jude Bellingham, his England teammate. Benfica, while a prestigious club, may struggle to match this allure. 

Benfica must pitch a vision of Alexander-Arnold becoming a legend at the club, potentially as a captain or talisman, similar to how he’s revered at Liverpool. They could emphasize the opportunity to dominate Portuguese football and make history in Europe.

Highlight the lifestyle benefits of living in Lisbon, a vibrant city with a favorable climate, and the chance to experience a new culture, which aligns with comments from Wayne Rooney (BBC Sport) about Alexander-Arnold seeking a fresh challenge abroad.

Timing and Negotiation Strategy:

Alexander-Arnold has been free to negotiate with overseas clubs since January 1, 2025, and reports suggest Real Madrid are close to finalizing a deal. Benfica would need to act swiftly to disrupt these talks. 

Benfica will need to initiate contact with Alexander-Arnold’s representatives immediately, leveraging the fact that no deal with Real Madrid is fully signed. Capitalize on any potential hesitation from Alexander-Arnold, such as concerns about his legacy at Liverpool or doubts about leaving his boyhood club. Benfica could position themselves as a less pressured environment compared to the intense scrutiny at Real Madrid.

Explore an early transfer in June 2025, taking advantage of FIFA’s new rules for the Club World Cup, which allow squad registrations from June 1. Benfica, who are participating in the tournament, could offer Alexander-Arnold the chance to join early for a small fee if Liverpool agree to release him before his contract expires. 

Overcoming Fan and Club Sentiment:

Alexander-Arnold is a Liverpool academy graduate and vice-captain, with a deep connection to the club and its fans. His potential move to Real Madrid has already sparked backlash from some Liverpool supporters, and a move to Benfica, a less glamorous destination, might be seen as surprising or underwhelming by fans and pundits.

Benfica should frame the move as a bold career choice, emphasizing the clubs history (38 Primeira Liga titles, two European Cups) and their role as a stepping stone to global stardom. They could draw parallels to players like Ángel Di María, who used Benfica as a platform before moving to Real Madrid.

Engage with Alexander-Arnold’s camp discreetly to avoid public backlash, ensuring negotiations remain professional and respectful to Liverpool’s legacy.

Realistic Assessment:

While Benfica are a prestigious club with a strong European pedigree, signing Alexander-Arnold would be a monumental challenge due to Real Madrid’s advanced negotiations and their status as one of the world’s biggest clubs. Benfica’s chances would hinge on a significant financial commitment, which could strain their budget. A compelling vision that appeals to Alexander-Arnold’s desire for a new challenge.

Given the current trajectory, Benfica’s prospects appear slim. However, if they can offer a standout financial package, a starring role, and a clear path to continued success, they could theoretically enter the conversation and push for Alexander-Arnold to become the club's new star right back for years to come.