Benfica and Wolfsburg trying to hammer out agreement for Amoura

Benfica is making waves in the transfer market, with negotiations intensifying for Wolfsburg’s Algerian star, Mohamed Amoura. The 25-year-old forward has emerged as a top target for the Eagles, who aim to bolster their attack for the 2025-26 season and their European campaign.

This potential move could rewrite Benfica’s history, with a reported €35 million transfer fee poised to make Amoura the club’s most expensive signing ever, surpassing Richard Rios' €27 million that the club paid Palmeiras earlier this summer for the midfielder.

Amoura’s 2024-25 season with Wolfsburg showcased his explosive talent. In 34 matches across all competitions, he scored 10 goals and provided 9 assists, totaling 2,729 minutes. His pace, versatility, and clinical finishing earned him acclaim as one of the Bundesliga’s top breakthrough talents. While for Algeria, Amoura has 25 caps and 11 goals.

Benfica’s interest, backed by coach Bruno Lage and sporting director Rui Pedro Braz, reflects their ambition to replace the void left by Angel Di Maria. The club has tabled a €27 million offer plus bonuses, though Wolfsburg demands €30–40 million, with some sources citing a fixed €35 million valuation by the club.

Negotiations are ongoing, with Benfica proposing a phased payment structure to meet Wolfsburg’s expectations. Despite Amoura already agreeing to personal terms with Benfica, Wolfsburg’s firm stance and his contract until 2029 are posing challenges.

The urgency to finalize the deal is driven by Benfica’s upcoming Champions League play-offs against Fenerbahçe on August 20 and 27, 2025. Amoura’s potential arrival could provide the dynamism needed to unlock defenses. However, Wolfsburg’s manager, Paul Simonis, remains non-committal, noting a “50-50” chance of Amoura staying, especially after a recent thigh injury limited his training. 

If successful, this transfer could mark a new era for Benfica, with Amoura’s flair and goal-scoring prowess set to electrify the Estadio da Luz. Fans eagerly await updates as the transfer window nears its climax and Benfica looking at reinforcements for the season. 

 

Benfica set to kick off 2025-26 league campaign

Benfica launch their 2025-26 Portuguese League campaign on August 16, 2025, with an away clash against Amadora at Estadio Jose Gomes. Under Bruno Lage’s stewardship, the Eagles are eager to reclaim the league title after a close second-place finish last season. Following a strong pre-season and a 4-0 aggregate Champions League qualifying win over Nice, Benfica go into the game brimming with confidence.

Lage, who returned to Benfica in 2024, has instilled a high-pressing, dynamic style, with new signings like Franjo Ivanovic, Richard Rios and Enzo Barrenechea bolstering the squad. The Eagles recent 1-0 Super Cup triumph over arch rivals Sporting, signals their intent towards the season.

Amadora, coming off a 1-1 draw against Estoril, will lean on home support but face a tough challenge. Their recent form is shaky, with only one win in their last nine home league games and Benfica have won their last six league encounters against them. Despite a spirited 3-2 loss to Benfica last season, Estrela’s attacking struggles could prove costly. 

 

Benfica get past Nice to set stage with Fenerbahce

Benfica delivered a commanding performance, defeating Nice 2-0 in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round at the Estadio da Luz, securing a 4-0 aggregate victory. The Portuguese giants showcased their dominance with goals from Norwegian duo Fredrik Aursnes and Andreas Schjelderup, ensuring their progression to the playoff round.

Benfica’s tactical discipline under coach Bruno Lage was evident, as they controlled possession and limited Nice to zero shots on target, with Franjo Ivanovic and Richard Rios shining in attack and midfield. Nice, despite early pressure, couldn’t overcome Benfica’s organized defense, extending their 65-year wait for Champions League group stage football. 

Now, Benfica faces a thrilling challenge against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Champions League playoffs, with the first leg set for August 20, 2025, in Istanbul, and the return leg on August 27 at Estadio da Luz. 

Fenerbahce, fresh off a 6-4 aggregate comeback against Feyenoord, powered by goals from Talisca, Youssef En-Nesyri, and others, will be a formidable opponent. Mourinho’s tactical acumen and Fenerbahce’s attacking flair promise a high-stakes battle. 

Benfica, with their rich European history, are determined to reclaim a spot in the 36-team Champions League group stage. Fans eagerly await this blockbuster clash, as the Eagles aim to soar past Fenerbahce for a coveted place among Europe’s elite.