Benfica searching northern Europe for left back

Keita Kosugi is a 19-year-old Japanese left-back currently playing for Djurgardens in the Swedish Allsvenskan and according to reports coming out of Europe, Benfica are one of several clubs interested in acquiring the services of Kosugi.

Benfica is eyeing a permanent transfer for Kosugi following his impressive performances in the Allsvenskan and the UEFA Conference League, where Djurgardens reached the semi-finals this season. However, they face competition from clubs like PSG, Atalanta and Celtic, with a "fierce battle" expected for his signature.

Kosugi is small in stature but his electric pace and explosive acceleration allow him to cover large distances and remain dynamic throughout matches. He is also no slouch on the defensive side of the game, excelling in one on one situations.

Benfica see Kosugi as a potential replacement for current starter Alvaro Fernandez, who is being courted by La Liga powerhouse Real Madrid for a move this summer. No price points have been released at this time but Benfica are always looking for value buys and hope that acquiring Kosugi is no different. 

 

Benfica looking for Di Maria replacement at Celtic

Benfica are said to be looking to Celtic for the potential replacement to Angel di Maria who confirmed today that he will be rejoining childhood club Rosario Central next season with his final Benfica appearances coming at the Club World Cup.

Benfica look to have interest in Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn, however, there are no confirmed details on the transfer fee or of any negotiations going on at this stage for the 25 year old German.

Historically, Benfica and Celtic have had successful transfer dealings, with players like Jota and Paulo Bernardo moving from Benfica to Celtic, first on loan and later permanently. Jota, for instance, joined Celtic on loan in 2021, was signed permanently in 2022 for £6.4M and later transferred to Al-Ittihad for £25 million in 2023. Similarly, Bernardo’s permanent move to Celtic was finalized in 2024 after a loan spell. 

Kuhn joined Celtic from Rapid Vienna in the winter of 2024 for €3.5M and appeared in 51 games across all competitions, scoring 21 goals while providing 15 helpers in 3,286 minutes of action.

Benfica looking at Sevilla right back Sanchez

Benfica is reportedly interested in Sevilla's right-back Juanlu Sanchez for a potential summer 2025 move. According to recent reports, Benfica has made inquiries about the 23-year-old defender as part of their strategy to reinforce the right-back position.

Sanchez is one of the players under consideration, alongside Wolverhampton's Nelson Semedo, as Benfica looks to bolster their defensive options. However, no concrete offer has been confirmed and the interest remains at the inquiry stage.

Sevilla will be looking to strengthen their own club this summer after barely avoiding relegation from La Liga this season and the sale of some of their players will help bolster their war chest going forward.

Sanchez appeared in 35 games across all competitions this season for Sevilla and scored five goals while providing five helpers in 1,937 minutes of action. Sanchez was also a member of Spain's 2024 gold medal winning Olympic squad.