Benfica in pursuit of Georgian gem from Saint-Etienne

Benfica has emerged as a front runner for Saint-Etienne's dynamic winger Zuriko Davitashvili. The 24-year-old Georgian international has dazzled in Ligue 2, netting 8 goals and providing 1 assist in 16 appearances, making him the club's top scorer.

Benfica reportedly tabled an €8 million bid, which was swiftly rejected by the French side, who value him higher. Competition is set to become fierce, with Everton, Besiktas and Fenerbahce also circling the versatile attacker known for his dribbling, progressive passes and long-range strikes.

Davitashvili's story adds some intrigue with prior links to manager Jose Mourinho as during his stint at Fenerbahce, Mourinho wanted to acquire the Georgian for the rebuilding Turkish giants but Saint-Etienne's €20 million demands ended talks between the two clubs.

For Benfica, landing Davitashvili could inject flair into their attack, especially with injuries mounting. Will Rui Costa seal the deal, or will rivals swoop in and acquire the player? The winter transfer window is slowly heating up! 

Benfica winter window approach should lay within the league for player additions

As the winter transfer window heats up in January, Benfica should look to continue to look for reinforcements from within Portugal's Portuguese League. Fresh off securing the services of versatile wing-back Sidny Lopes Cabral from Amadora for €6 million on a deal that runs until 2030.

The Eagles under Jose Mourinho can look towards more domestic talent to bolster their squad amid a challenging season. Cabral's addition could shift the club's strategy in the direction of proven league performers rather than splashing cash on foreign stars who need time to adjust to the league's style. 

Mourinho, known for his tactical acumen, has emphasized strengthening the team with players who understand the league's intensity. In the past three weeks, Benfica has been strongly linked with several Portuguese League standouts. Notably, Rio Ave winger Andre Luiz who has emerged as a hot prospect, with reports indicating a deal could be imminent.

The 24 year old wingers energy and passing range make him an ideal fit for Mourinho's rebuild. These links underscore Benfica's strategy of cost-effective, low-risk acquisitions from familiar territory to maintain competitiveness in the Liga title race and European campaigns. 

Another option the club can look at is Famalicao's 21 year old striker Yassir Zabiri, who has spent the past season and a half in Portugal and has scored four goals this season in 638 minutes of action. Zabiri has sparkled on the international stage for Morocco's U20 squad, scoring 19 goals in 30 appearances.

Injuries and potential loans of players on the current squad will open up space for acquisitions this winter window. Can the club make it all work? Time will only provide these answers. 

Benfica's ambitious push as they look to strive the rest of the season

As we kick off 2026, Benfica finds itself in a fierce multi-front battle, chasing glory in the Portuguese League, Taca de Portugal, Taca da Liga, and they are still alive in the Champions League. Currently sitting third in the league with 18 games to play and trailing leaders FC Porto and second place Sporting, the Eagles' primary goal is a simple one and that is to mount a relentless comeback in the second half of the season. 

In the Taca de Portugal, Benfica has stormed through early rounds with three convincing wins, aiming for a deep run as they look to lift the cup in May. The Taca da Liga sees them off to a strong start, defeating Tondela 3-0, with the semifinals next on the agenda later this month.  

Europe beckons too as they look to progress from the Champions League, league phase to the knockouts and after a poor start, the club has won two games in a row and hope to build on their solid domestic form to power them through the two final games.

With squad depth and fan support, Benfica's second-half mantra is to dominate every pitch, secure silverware and etch another chapter into their storied legacy. The hunt is on in 2026, will the Eagles soar? Tune in to find out.