Benfica are hoping to find a younger keeper on the market with some experience who will challenge and support Vlachodimos next season as the club do not want to see a repeat of Vlachodimos appearing in 50 of 51 contests to date as has been the case this season. Benfica of course will see what funds are left over from their summer shopping as the club has more important positions to fill before looking at a backup keeper.
Benfica look set to turn once again to South America nation Argentina in the pursuit of a midfielder, this time the club is said to be interested in Boca Juniors 21 year old Ezequiel Fernandez Carballo.
Benfica's plan is to closely monitor the player's situation as he has yet to break into a regular role this season at Boca after spending last year on loan with Tigre. Fernandez can play both defensive and central midfield and would add depth to a squad currently a thin in the middle of the field.
Fernandez is signed with Boca until the end of 2025 and his price is said to be currently in the €5M range. Benfica have a history of acquiring talent from the South America continent and hope Fernandez is not an exception to this rule.
Benfica will next host Braga at home, in a crucial must win game and will still need to take on Sporting away in the second last game of the season. The ideal scenario would see Benfica win both games but one win out of the two encounters is a must for the Lisbon side as they have the more difficult remaining schedule then their closest rivals FC Porto.
League joint leading scorers Goncalo Ramos and Joao Mario have both continue to struggle and Benfica will need both players to be on their best form for the final round of league games if they are to count on capturing the title this season.
