Benfica interested in Shakhtar Donetsk attacking midfielder

Benfica have reignited their interest in Shakhtar Donetsk’s attacking midfielder Georgiy Sudakov, a 22-year-old Ukrainian talent with a bright future. According to recent reports, the Lisbon giants are prepared to make a significant investment, with Shakhtar demanding upwards of €40 million for the dynamic playmaker.

Sudakov’s contract, which runs until 2028, and his €150 million release clause, suggest negotiations could be complex, but Shakhtar are not said to be willing to accept anything less than the reported €40 million for the Ukraine international.

Sudakov, a versatile No. 10, would be a perfect fit for Benfica’s attacking philosophy under Bruno Lage. His ability to score (15 goals last season) and create (6 assists) would add flair to Benfica’s midfield, complementing their high-pressing, possession-based style.

His compatriot, Anatoliy Trubin, already at Benfica, could ease his integration, fostering chemistry on and off the pitch. However, competition from Napoli, Juventus, and Premier League clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool could complicate matters for Benfica.

If Benfica secure Sudakov, he could replace Orkun Kokcu's creative spark from the middle of the field, becoming a long-term midfield cornerstone and elevating their European ambitions. 

Benfica change directions on player acquisition target

Benfica have decided against moving winger Kerem Akturkoglu back to his native home after Fenerbahce decided to pull their original €25M deal for the 26 year old Turkish international and replace it with an offer of just €15M, which ended all negotiations between the two clubs.

Benfica is said to have found Akturkoglu's replacement in Wolfsburg winger Mohamed Amoura and it was reported that the club and player had agreed to terms before the German side went wild with an asking price of between €35M-€40M, which Benfica balked at.

The club is now determined to look towards adding an attacking midfield piece before the transfer window closes who will be able to move the ball between the midfield and into the club's attack more smoothly. This tactical move shows the club's lack of confidence in their current option of players on the squad.

With an all important winner take all game coming up next week at the Luz against Fenerbache for a spot in this seasons lucrative Champions League phase, the club's direction could once again change if they were to miss out on advancing and drop down to the Europa League this season.

The club have been linked with players Thiago Almada and Giannis Konstantelias already this summer, who could fill this role but Almada joined Atletico Madrid instead and Giannis has been linked to a host of clubs across Europe but has yet to move from PAOK.

Look for Benfica to become more aggressive in the next 2 weeks as they look to bolster a position of weakness and build off of that this season.  

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.