Benfica rumoured to be linked with Cruzeiro left back

Benfica is reportedly interested in Cruzeiro's left-back Kaiki as a potential replacement for Alvaro Fernandez who is being linked with a move to Real Madrid in time for the start of the Club World Cup in the next few weeks.

Multiple sources indicate that Benfica is monitoring Kaiki, a 22-year-old who has been a key player for Cruzeiro under Portuguese coach Leonardo Jardim. Benfica values Alvaro at around €50M, and his potential departure would necessitate a replacement, with Kaiki emerging as a prime candidate due to his performances and a relatively modest valuation.

However, there are conflicting reports, with some sources noting that no concrete offer has been made by Benfica yet and interest may have cooled, while others suggest Kaiki’s agents have offered him to the Portuguese club as Alvaro's replacement.

Benfica are also discussing a permanent move for left back Samuel Dahl from Roma who's loan deal with the club is set to expire. The Lisbon club have offered €12M for his services while Roma are hoping to get €15M from Benfica to close the deal.

Benfica close but no cigar in Taca de Portugal Final

Benfica were less then 90 seconds away from capturing the Taca de Portugal trophy in the final game of the Portuguese season but a stupid defensive challenge by substitute Renato Sanches handed Sporting a late injury time penalty that Gyokeres would convert to take this game into additional time 1-1.

The late equalizer seemed to take the sails out of Benfica's game and they would go on to fall to cross town rivals Sporting 3-1 when all was said and done. Benfica played well for most of the 90 minutes  but did not get any breaks from the officiating crew on the night.

A night that saw the club get a penalty awarded and then reversed due to a very close offside and a goal by Bruma that would have put the club up by two goals, called back by a questionable foul call prior to the development of the goal.

Sporting also seemed to get away from a straight red card that saw striker Belotti get his head stepped on by a Matheus Reis in the 94th minutes while he was on the ground after a ball battle, this seemed to be missed by both the officials and VAR although you can find a clip of the incident quite easily through social media.

Benfica end the 2024-25 season having captured the Taca da Liga trophy and will need to prepare for the upcoming Club World Cup in the next few weeks, while at the same time look into strengthening the club going into next season. Benfica and Sporting will kick off the 2025-26 Portuguese season in the Super Cup come August.

 

Angel di Maria wants to end Portugal adventure with Cup

Angel di Maria has already announced that he will not be returning to Benfica when his contract is up at the end of next month but wants to make sure to end his Benfica career in style by winning the Taca de Portugal trophy on Sunday against rivals Sporting.

Di Maria who returned to Benfica two seasons ago is set to move on from the club but it is still unknown if the 37 year old will continue his career elsewhere or hang up his boots at the conclusion of the season.

Di Maria will still represent Benfica at the Club World Cup in the America during the summer months but the Taca de Portugal will be his farewell game in Portugal.

This will be the first Taca de Portugal final that Di Maria has played in and it would be a perfect send off for the Argentinian to capture a trophy that has alluded him in his time at the club. Di Maria has also failed to score in a game against Sporting as a Benfica player and will get his final this weekend.