Benfica trying to figure out what to do with Pizzi

Long time Benfica midfielder Pizzi is not in the clubs plans for the upcoming season and the club is trying to figure out what to do with the 32 year old. Pizzi spent the second half of last season with Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir but has been returned to the club with the conclusion of the season.

Pizzi still has one year left on his contract with Benfica and the club is looking at more lucrative options for the player in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Pizzi has appeared in 357 games across all competitions for Benfica, scoring 94 goals while setting up an additional 96. Pizzi captured four League Titles along with three Super Cups, two League Cups and a Taca de Portugal in his time at Benfica.

Jorge Jesus could bring Joao Mario to Fenerbahce

The recent hiring of former Benfica manager Jorge Jesus with Turkish club Fenerbahce could see the Portuguese manager once again reunite with midfielder Joao Mario for the third time if the two clubs are able to agree to terms. Jesus has previously managed Mario when the two were together at Sporting and then once again at Benfica at the insistence of Jesus this past season.

Benfica who are looking to reduce salary would be open to any type of move with Fenerbahce, whether it be a sale or a loan of the 29 year old who is signed with the club until the summer of 2026. Joao Mario is currently the clubs highest earner, receiving €3.85M per season and appeared in 45 games across all competitions for Benfica, scoring four goals while setting up another seven.

Benfica with eye on Villarreal left back

Benfica continue their search to improve the club for next season and have been linked to various players, the latest being Villarreal left back Pervis Estupinan. The 24 year old Ecuadorian International has spent the past two seasons with Villarreal after joining from Watford in the summer of 2020 for €16.4M and has appeared in 73 games for the Spanish club across all competitions, failing to score a goal while providing four helpers.

Villarreal have an excess of full backs at the club and Estupinan's name has been thrown around as one of the fullbacks the club is looking to cash on during the summer. Villarreal are said to be looking for €18M for the players services while Benfica are open to a loan move with an option to buy at the conclusion of the season at lower price. Benfica recently added Serbian left back Mihailo Ristic as they move to bolster a position that should soon see their current starter Alex Grimaldo move on from the club.