Benfica could open 2021/22 with new left backs

Benfica left backs Alex Grimaldo and Nuno Tavares have both been linked with moves away from the Estadio da Luz this summer which could see Benfica commence the 2021/22 season with a completely new look on the left side of the field. Grimaldo has been recently linked with a move to Barcelona, while Tavares has been linked with Italian clubs Napoli and Lazio. The move of both players could bring in €40M-€50M to the club.

Benfica have been heavily linked with Wolverhampton's Ruben Vinagre over the past few months after he spent the second half of last season at Famalicao were he had an impressive campaign. Benfica have most recently been linked with Sevilla left back Guilherme Arana who also just spent a season on loan in Brazil with Atletico Mineiro. Benfica are looking to improve their squad from their terrible 2020/21 season and all options are on the table to reach this goal.

Fenerbahce interested in Antwerp right back

Turkish side Fenerbahce have been linked with a move for Royal Antwerp right back Aurelio Buta who's sale would profit Benfica as the cluv still owns 50% of the players rights after allowing the 24 year old to depart the club for Belgium in the summer of 2018. Antwerp are said to be looking for a minimum of €3.5M to allow the move of their starting right back.

Buta appeared in 34 games for Antwerp across all competitions last season, failing to score a goal but he did set up five goals. In his career with Antwerp, Buta has appeared in 107 games across all competitions with the Belgian side, scoring twice while setting up another 18 goals. Buta spent his youth career at Benfica's famous Seixal academy but never made an appearance with the main club before his departure. 

Benfica looking at return of former player

Benfica continue their off season search to find players that fit the mold of manager Jorge Jesus and their latest inquiry has led them to a former academy player in Santa Clara's central defender Fabio Cardoso. The 27 year old played his youth football at Benfica's famous Seixal academy before departing in January 2016 for a loan spell at Pacos Ferreira. Cardoso would then make a permanent move to Setubal during the summer of 2016 before departing Portugal to spend a season with Scotland's Rangers prior to joining his current club in the summer of 2018.

Cardoso appeared in 32 games across all competitions last season, scoring three goals while setting up another, he has been a constant presence in his three seasons with the Azorian club appearing in 97 games across all competitions. Santa Clara are said to be open to move their captain for around €3M-€4M, a price tag that can be easily negotiated with Benfica. Jorge Jesus is looking to play with three center backs in his starting eleven on a regular basis next season and is interested in adding Cardoso to add to his depth options at the back line.