Does Benzema's European dream involve a potential reunion at Benfica?

Karim Benzema, the French striker who dazzled at Real Madrid for over a decade, is reportedly eyeing a return to European football and departing a stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad. Since joining the Saudi Pro League in 2023, Benzema has scored impressively but faced challenges, including reported dissatisfaction with the league's level.

His contract runs until June 2026, but sources indicate he has no intention of extending it, paving the way for a possible free transfer next summer or even a January exit if negotiations align. Enter Benfica, the Portuguese giants now led by Jose Mourinho, Benzema's former coach at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013. 

The pair enjoyed success together, with Benzema crediting Mourinho for elevating his game. Rumors suggest Mourinho is keen on reuniting with the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner to bolster Benfica's attack, which has shown vulnerabilities throughout this campaign.

Benfica's interest stems from needing a proven goalscorer for their Portuguese League title push and Champions League aspirations. However, challenges abound. At 37, Benzema's age and hefty €100 million annual salary at Al-Ittihad pose financial hurdles for Benfica, who aren't among Europe's richest clubs. 

Mourinho has publicly downplayed the speculation, stating Benzema is "settled" in Saudi, but insider reports hint at interest behind the scenes. Benfica's chances? Moderate at best of acquiring Benzema unless he prioritizes European competition over money, only time will answer that question.

Benfica suffer London letdown and look to bounce back against FC Porto

Benfica fans are still reeling from a gut-wrenching 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge yesterday. What should have been a triumphant return for manager Jose Mourinho to his old stomping grounds turned into a disappointment, courtesy of an unfortunate own goal by Richard Rios in the first half.

Despite maintaining strong possession numbers and creating several chances, the Eagles couldn't find the net, leaving them with zero points from their first two group stage matches of the competition. The performance was scrappy at best as Chelsea barely threatened, yet Benfica's finishing woes and defensive lapse proved costly on the night.

Mourinho, ever the tactician, will be frustrated; his side looked organized but lacked the killer instinct. This loss piles pressure on their European campaign, especially with tougher fixtures on the horizon. 

Questions are swirling about the squad's depth and whether summer signings have gelled enough to compete at this level. But there will be no time to dwell as Benfica turns their focus to domestic matters with a blockbuster Portuguese League clash against arch-rivals FC Porto on Sunday at Estadio do Dragao.

A win here could reignite Benfica's title charge and boost morale after the Chelsea setback. Expect a high intensity game with Porto's attacking flair versus Benfica's resilient defense. If Benfica channels their frustration into focus, they could snatch some vital points away from the league leaders, so fans should buckle up as this weekend's derby might just define their season.

Who is new Benfica striker Franjo Ivanovic

In the high-stakes world of Portuguese football, Benfica has pulled off a masterstroke this summer by signing 21-year-old Croatian striker Franjo Ivanovic from Union Saint-Gilloise for a club-record €22.8 million (plus €5 million in add-ons). The deal, finalized on July 31, 2025, came with a five-year contract until 2030 and a staggering €100 million release clause.

Ivanovic embodies the raw talent that's propelling him into Europe's elite spotlight. Ivanovic's journey began humbly at age five with SVG Mayrhofen in Austria (2008-2015), followed by a brief stint at JFG Lohwald. His breakthrough came at Augsburg's youth academy from 2016 to 2021, where he honed his skills in Germany's competitive setup. Loan spells at NK Lokomotiva Zagreb sharpened his edge before a permanent move to HNK Rijeka in 2023, where he netted 12 goals in 28 league games.

His meteoric rise peaked last season at Union SG, scoring 20 goals and adding five assists to clinch the Belgian title and drawing bids from Wolves, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Como, but Ivanovic chose Benfica. Standing at 6 foot 1, with a powerful right foot, Ivanovic is a classic target man who is aerially dominant, relentless in pressing and lethal in the box with clinical finishing. 

His blend of physicality, pace, and intelligent movement echoes a young Edin Dzeko, but with a modern work rate that fits Benfica's high-pressing system. Benfica fans can expect fireworks when he and current club striker Vangelis Pavlidis gel. Ivanonic has already chipped in three goals for the club in twelve appearances playing mostly out of position.

The Eagles might have found themselves a gem... Welcome, Franjo to Lisbon and Benfica.