Benfica are once again being linked with Uruguayan center back Gaston Silva who currently is with Argentinian club Independiente. The 26 year old center back is currently owed wages by the Argentinian club and is moving to void his current contract due to the situation, which in turn would make him available to sign with any club on a free transfer. The Uruguayan International last played in Europe in 2017 as a member of Italian club Torino and also appeared for Spanish side Granada. Silva has appeared in 20 games across all competitions for Independiente chipping in one assist. Silva is also a regular call up for his country's national side and was a member of the Uruguayan team that knocked out Portugal from World Cup 2018 in the round of 16.
Portuguese clubs Benfica and FC Porto are both being linked to Nordsjaelland central defender Abdul Mumin. The 22 year old Ghanaian looks to be a cheaper alternative for the clubs which have seen their finances effected by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Mumin's contract is set to expire this summer and would be available to both clubs for free. Mumin has applied his trade in Denmark since the summer of 2016 and has appeared in 24 games across all competitions for the Danish side, scoring on one occasion.
Benfica President Luis Filipe Vieira lashed out at the club after another poor performance by the squad upon their return to action from a long layoff due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Benfica who at the end of January looked to be running away with the league title, took a turn for the worse and not even a break has gotten the club back in gear. The Benfica President addressed the club and let them know that he expects more commitment, desire and emotion in their play as he looks to win another league championship. Vieiria had a long conversation with manager Bruno Lage and expects some sort of changes to snap this funk.
Benfica players feel that the timing of the criticism are both unfair and untrue especially after the clubs bus was stoned, sending Julian Weigl and Zivkovic to hospital with minor injuries. The homes of manager Bruno Lage, Pizzi, Rafa Silva and Alex Grimaldo were also vandalized with vulgar graffiti spray painted on the property gates and walls. The world lock down due to COVID-19 has had emotional and psychological effects to many people across the world which could explain the extreme outbursts after only one game of action. Those responsible for this violence need to find better outlets or seek medical help to deal with any emotional trauma suffered during this unfortunate times and avoid harming the squad or their families.
