Benfica land Amadora wing back Sidny Cabral

Benfica landed their first signing of the winter transfer bringing in wing back Sidny Cabral from their city rivals Amadora. Benfica sent €6 million to Amadora for 90% of Cabral's rights along with a potential €2.5 million that could be paid if incentives are met. Benfica signed Cabral for four and half seasons and added a €60 million buy clause to the contract.

The 23 year old Cape Verde international is a multi position player and has already appeared as a right back, left back, left midfielder and right midfielder this season for Amadora. Cabral is both footed and manager Jose Mourinho will be excited to be able to take advantage of his versatility.

Cabral has scored five goals and provided three assists in sixteen games of action across all competitions for Amadora after joining the club as free agent this past summer from German third division side Vikoria Koln. He spent his youth in the Netherlands with Twente and Feyenoord and the move to Benfica is his biggest yet. 

Benfica may have a solution at striker at Rio Ave

As the winter transfer window gets set to open, Benfica under Jose Mourinho is reportedly looking to add another striker and a bold move might just be an acquisition of Rio Ave striker Clayton. 

The 26 year old Brazilian has been a revelation in the Portuguese League this 2025-26 season, netting 10 goals and providing 2 assists in 15 appearances (1,236 minutes). His expected goals stands at 6.1, showcasing clinical finishing, while his progressive carries (1.66 per 90) highlight his dynamic threat when on the field.

With Vangelis Pavlidis leading the line at the club while boasting 14 goals in 15 league games, Benfica needs some more reliable depth as current backups Franjo Ivanovic (3 goals in 13 games, 528 minutes) and Henrique Araujo (0 goals in 5 games, 23 minutes) have struggled to make an impact when called upon.

Clayton's proven scoring record of 24 goals over what amounts to a season and a half at Rio Ave, offers Mourinho a more goal-hungry option off the bench. His physicality and take on ability could complement Pavlidis perfectly, adding versatility to challenge for titles.

If sealed, this transfer could ignite Benfica's campaign, blending Mourinho's tactical nous with Clayton's firepower. It is unknown what the move may cost Benfica but €10M is the likely start point of any negotiations. 

Benfica bolsters defense with Sidny Cabral signing

In a strategic move ahead of the January 2026 transfer window, Benfica has secured the services of promising right back Sidny Cabral from Amadora. The 23 year old Cape Verdean-Dutch defender, born in Rotterdam, will join the Eagles for a reported €6 million fee with an additional €2.5M in add ons, Amadora will retain 10% of the players rights on a future sale.

This acquisition underscores Benfica's ambition to strengthen their back line amid a competitive Portuguese League season. Cabral's journey to prominence is an inspiring one. Starting his career in the Netherlands, he honed his skills before moving to Germany with clubs like Rot-Weiss Essen and Viktoria Koln before moving to Amadora as a free agent this past summer.

Cabral has showcased his versatility with Amadora, blending defensive solidity with attacking flair, he has scored five goals while providing three assists across all competitions in 16 games of action and 1,357 minutes of play. He has been able to accomplish this while at a bottom of the table club which makes his performances that much more impressive.

Benfica's interest stems from Cabral's ability to provide depth and competition at right back, especially with injuries and poor performances plaguing the squad. This signing could be a game changer for Benfica's title aspirations and European campaigns. 

As Cabral dons the red and white jersey in January, expect him to inject fresh vigor into the team. Welcome to Lisbon, Sidny, here is hoping that the future looks bright