Benfica make bunch of moves during window

Benfica were making a host of moves today that will see players come and go from the club over the next couple of weeks. 

Benfica announced the acquisition of left back Alvaro Fernandez from Man United on loan for the remainder of the season. Benfica will have a buy option at the end of the season of €6M or the move will become permanent if Fernandez starts half of the club's remaining games. Man United will retain a percentage of Fernandez's rights for a future sale and have also included a buyback option as part of the deal.

Benfica are also in talks with midfielder Gabriel and look set to rescind the player's contract, Gabriel spent the past season in Brazil on loan with Botafogo. Benfica made the sale of center back Joao Victor to Vasco da Gama official for €6M and is currently in talks with Estudiantes to bring in winger Benjamin Rollheiser before the window closes.

On a sadder note, the club looks set to part ways with forward Goncalo Guedes. The former Seixal academy product who is on loan with the club from Wolves, looks set to have his loan recalled and seems headed back to Spain to join Villarreal.

 

Benfica need to find themselves a replacement for Rafa Silva

Benfica is currently facing a significant challenge, as Rafa Silva, a key player in their squad, will become a free agent this summer. Unfortunately, contract talks between the club and the player have hit an impasse, leaving both parties far apart in negotiations. As such, it is imperative for Benfica to find a suitable replacement for Silva this summer.

Silva has been an integral part of Benfica's success over the years. His pace, skill on the ball, and ability to score crucial goals have made him a fan favorite. Losing such a talented player would undoubtedly be a blow to the team's prospects for future seasons.

Finding an adequate replacement for Silva will not be an easy task. Benfica must identify someone with similar attributes and abilities who can seamlessly integrate into their playing style. The new recruit must possess speed, technical prowess, and goal-scoring instincts to fill the void left by Silva's departure.

Benfica faces a challenging situation with Rafa Silva set to leave as a free agent this summer. The club must act swiftly and decisively to secure a suitable replacement who can contribute effectively on the pitch. By identifying players with similar qualities while considering financial limitations, Benfica can ensure continuity and maintain their competitive edge in domestic and international competitions.

Former Benfica manager Ericsson diagnosed with cancer

Sadly, earlier today, former Benfica manager Sven-Goran Ericsson revealed his cancer diagnosis to the world. The 75 year old announced that he has pancreatic cancer, which is inoperable and, in a best case scenario, has about one year to live. Ericsson is doing his best to not think about his illness and enjoy the time he has left on this earth.

Ericsson managed Benfica on two different occasions during his career, he spent his first stop at the club from the summer of 1982 to the summer of 1984 and the second from the summer of 1989 to the summer of 1992. Ericsson won three league titles, a Taca de Portugal and a Super Cup in his time at the club. 

Ericsson also led Benfica to the 1990 European Cup Final, now known as the Champions League and the 1983 UEFA Cup Final, now known as the Europa League, losing in the finals on both occasions. 

Ericsson had a phenomenal managerial career that took him around the club with stops at Manchester City, Leicester City, Roma, Lazio, Fiorentina, IFK Goteborg and Shanghai SIPG among a handful of others, and managed national sides England, Mexico and the Ivory Coast.

Wishing that Ericsson finds peace during these trying times.