Benfica want to add Tigre youngster to summer shopping list

Benfica have initiated talks to acquire 20-year-old Argentine midfielder Lorenzo Scipioni from Tigre, according to multiple sources. It is being reported that Benfica see enormous potential in Scipioni, who can play both central midfield and as a defensive midfielder.

His contract with Tigre runs until the end of 2026 and it is said that he does not have a release clause written into his contract, so Benfica will have to negotiate directly with the club if they are to acquire the services of Scipioni this summer.

Tigre has already rejected approaches from Greek club Olympiacos and MLS side Colorado Rapids, although no figures are being reported it does look like Tigre will be looking for what they feel is top dollar to move on from the midfielder.  

Although Olympiacos remain inerested, Benfica are actively pursuing a deal to bolster their midfield for the 2025-26 season. Scipioni has been with Tigre since January of 2022 and has appeared in 31 games since moving into the main squad during the 2023-24 season. 

 

Benfica need second half to get going in win over Auckland City

Benfica delivered a convincing 6-0 win over amateur club Auckland City at the Club World Cup but the game was far from straight forward thanks to a terrible first half by the Lisbon side and a lengthy weather delay that didn't see the second half commence after a two and a half hour delay.

Benfica showcased their superiority in the end, led by Angel di Maria but Auckland City's first half resilience was the talk of the first forty-five minutes of this contest. Benfica were fortunate to take a 1-0 lead to the half with a late penalty given to the club and Angel di Maria once gain coming up aces from the penalty spot.

When the second half did begin, Benfica capitalized on the fading energy of the Auckland players, Vangelis Pavlidis would score a pretty goal set up by Orkun Kokcu just eight minutes into the second half. Renato Sanches would then make it three after just entering the game, when his shot was deflected past Auckland's university keeper.

Leandro Barreiro would score a quick brace within two minutes to take the score up to 5-0 with both goals set up by striker Pavlidis. Angel di Maria would seal Benfica's 6-0 victory with his second goal from the penalty spot in stoppage time.

The scoreline was flattering to Benfica who struggled at times to break down the a semi-professional squad, especially in the first half. Lage's substitutions in the second half looked to spark the club's attack led by Sanches who could have added to his tally if not for some key misses and some key saves from the Auckland keeper.

Benfica will now finish off their group stage against Bayern Munich on Tuesday in Charlotte, with advancement to the knockout stages still up in the air, the club will be happy that they where able to boost their goal differential which may be the deciding factor if the club's participation is to continue in the tournament after Tuesday. 

Benfica set to land RB Salzburg right back

According to reports from sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, Benfica are set to secure a move for RB Salzburg right back Amar Dedic, as the club looks to shore up a position that has lacked depth over the past two seasons.

The 22 year old Bosnian would cost the Lisbon club around €10M to secure his services and would be given the green light to battle current starting and often injured right back Alexander Bah for a regular spot in the club's starting XI as he looks to bring an attacking flair that the club lacked from the right back position for most of the season.

Dedic spent the second half of last season on loan away from Salzburg with French side Marseille. The Bosnian international appeared in 35 combined games for both clubs across all competitions, failing to score a goal but providing seven assists in 2,234 minutes of action.

Look for this to be one of a few moves that Benfica will look to make this summer, as the club looks to add another central midfielder, winger, striker and a likely left back before the start of their season.