Benfica are looking towards Brazil for player addition

Benfica is reportedly casting an eye toward Brazil's Serie A and have their sight set on Palmeiras standout Facundo Torres, the 25 year old Uruguayan winger who had a dazzling season at Palmeiras. 

With Benfica aiming to bolster their attacking options in a competitive Portuguese League, Torres emerges as a tantalizing target. Known for his pace, technical flair, and left-footed precision, he could inject fresh energy into Jose Mourinho's squad.

Torres' career trajectory has been impressive. He burst onto the scene with Penarol in Uruguay, where he scored 20 goals in 71 appearances and helped secure the 2021 Uruguayan Primera Division title. 

Moving to M.L.S. side Orlando City in January 2022 for €9.7 million, he became a team designated player, netting 37 goals across 123 games and contributed to the 2022 U.S. Open Cup victory.

His form with Orlando City earned him a high profile switch to Brazilian side Palmeiras in December 2024 for up to €11.5 million, including add-ons. Torres' contributions extended to the Copa Libertadores, where he added 2 goals and 3 assists in 11 appearances in the club's finalist run.

Torres has demonstrated versatility as a right wing attacker and in the role of attacking central midfielder, blending creativity with a defensive work rate. His 29 appearances for Palmeiras in Serie A, saw Torres score 6 goals while providing 3 helpers in 1,669 minutes of action. Hence acquiring Torres wouldn't come cheap. 

Palmeiras, fresh off capturing this investment, might look to demand €20-€30 million, factoring in his contract which runs through 2028 and a 20% sell on clause held by Orlando City. 

How would Torres fit? Benfica's fluid 4-2-3-1 system thrives on dynamic wingers who can cut inside and create. Torres may just be the ideal successor to the departed Angel di Maria and the Uruguayan international could provide the spark that the club desperately needs this season.

Benfica kicked out of Taca da Liga by Braga

Benfica will not defend their Taca da Liga crown after they were eliminated yesterday by Braga, suffering a 3-1 defeat in their semi-finals game in Leiria.

Benfica had a terrible first half that saw Braga go into the break with a 2-0 victory before a converted penalty by Pavlidis cut the deficit in half but that was as close as the Eagles would get on the way out the door from the competition.

Benfica fans were upset and protested outside the stadium, manager Mourinho who did not mince his words following the contest made sure the players knew his distaste for the performance by ordering the players to sleep at the club's training ground for the night.

The heat is starting to turn up on manager Jose Mourinho who has not been able to get the best from this club in important games since taking over in September. This has been the case in multiple occasions and rumours are already swirling of axed United manager Ruben Amorim waiting in the wings.

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!