Benfica look to bring back Rafa Silva from Besiktas

Benfica is reportedly plotting a dramatic January 2026 return for former star Rafa Silva, who departed the club on a free transfer in summer 2024 after eight trophy-laden years. The 32-year-old Portuguese forward, known for his pace and versatility, joined Turkish giants Besiktas but has since expressed a desire to leave Turkey, sparking a contract dispute.

Besiktas has threatened FIFA action to enforce his stay, but unusual clauses in his deal may allow termination, paving the way for a Benfica reunion. Benfica looks at Rafa as their top winter target, preparing a 1 and a half year contract offer worth anywhere  €2M to €3M annually if he severs ties with Besiktas.

The approach aligns with Benfica's strategy under Jose Mourinho, who sees Rafa fitting easily into the current squad and the possible of the club not paying a transfer fee makes the move all that more intriguing.

At Besiktas, Rafa is earning €6M per season a lucrative contract that also includes as signing bonus of €10M spread out over the contract which would expire in the summer of 2027.

Benfica will have some competition from Saudi League clubs who are also monitoring the situation at Besiktas but are hoping that Rafa's emotional ties to the club will help lean him to a Portugal return. Everything hinges on what will transpire between Rafa and Besiktas, who are said to be open to receiving €10M for Rafa to make it all go away. 

Mourinho hands Benfica a list of what he wants during winter transfer window

As Benfica navigates a competitive Portuguese League season under Jose Mourinho, the Special One has made it clear that the club must act decisively in the January transfer window to chase silverware. Appointed in September, Mourinho has stabilized the team but highlighted vulnerabilities, particularly in attack and defense. 

With Benfica sitting third in the league, he believes that these targeted moves could propel them to the Portuguese League title. Mourinho has pinpointed five key positions for reinforcement, both right and left wing, the midfield, left-back, and striker. He cited productivity issues in the attacking line and a lack of depth as critical concerns for him.

His preferred first target is Real Madrid's left back Ferland Mendy, who would offer experience and stability amid uncertainties in that role. Benfica is ready to bid €10 million for the Frenchman, who has been sidelined at Madrid.

Speculation also links Mourinho with reunions with some of his former players that includes striker Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad and midfielder Nemanja Matic who is currently applying his trade in Italy with Sassuolo.

Mourinho's wish list will mean squad trimming for some current players, but no names have been mentioned but one can expect the club will need to fund his buys with player sales during the January window. The winter window will represent a pivotal moment for Benfica as fans await action while the man known as the Special One demands it.

Rui Costa re-elected as Benfica President

In a thrilling election that went down to a run off, Rui Costa has been re-elected as Benfica President and will be in charge of the club for the next four years, defeating challenger Joao Noronha Lopes who made a strong case to dethrone the incumbent President.

The former Portuguese football legend, who first took the helm in 2021, gained 65.89% of the votes, showcasing strong support from the club's passionate fanbase. Benfica supporters set an all-time record for voter turnout for a sports club with 93,081 votes cast yesterday a testament to the club's global following.

Rui Costa praised his opponent for a respectful campaign, emphasizing that it is now time for unity and promising more victories on and off the pitch for the club going forward. 

As Benfica faces competitive challenges in the Portuguese League and in Europe, Costa hopes that his leadership continuity will stabilize the club. Fans hope that this cements the club's direction going forward and are optimistic of commencing a new era of glory.