Benfica who are already being linked to Rio Ave striker Taremi and Boavista keeper Helton Leite within the Portuguese League could be looking to add more from within the league due to the current COVID-19 crisis as the club looks to tighten their budget for the time being going forward. Benfica who by adding Taremi and Leite strengthen their striker and keeper positions will also be in the market for a right back, central defender or two and a midfielder.
Starting at center back we revisit an earlier blog post which saw us discuss the potential acquisitions by Benfica of Braga center back Bruno Wilson and Rio Ave center back Toni Borevkovic who could both be added for a reasonable price value. Benfica could also look at Moreirense's Steven Vitoria for an added veteran presence in the number three or four role.
Benfica have set their sights on acquiring Iranian striker Taremi from Rio Ave during the summer transfer window as the club looks within the league to bolster their squad next season as opposed to splashing millions of dollars abroad amid the current COVID-19 pandemic. The 27 year old joined Rio Ave in the summer from Qatar side Al Gharafa on a free transfer and has scored 11 goals in 27 games across all competitions. Benfica will have competition for Taremi's services from rivals FC Porto and Sporting but are counting on their good relationship with Rio Ave to seal the deal for Taremi.
Benfica are kicking tires when it comes to a potential replacement for Alex Grimaldo who has been heavily linked with a departure to Tottenham before the start of next season. The Eagles are said to be interested in Villarreal's 23 year old left back Alfonso Pedraza who has spent the season on loan at Real Betis but has failed to see regular minutes with the Sevilla side, playing behind current starter Alex Moreno. Pedraza has appeared in 12 games across all competitions this season after appearing in 82 games the previous two seasons between Villarreal and Alaves. Villarreal are said to be asking €10M for the sale of Pedraza which is in the ball park that Benfica would be open to spending on the former Spainish U21 international.
