Both Liverpool and Chelsea are keeping an eye on Benfica youngster Daniel Banzaqui, according to a report from Portuguese newspaper to ball. However, the Premier League club may soon face a very difficult task if they decide to make a move.
The 17-year-old right-back is expected to sign a new long-term contract with Benfica when he turns 18 later this month. Banjaqui celebrates his birthday on March 24, which would allow the Portuguese club to offer him a deal running until 2031.
According to A Bola journalist Nuno Travassos, Benfica already have an agreement with the player’s representatives. So once he reaches the legal age to sign a longer professional contract the renewal is considered a formality.
That time is important. If Banzaqui were to sign before turning 18, the maximum contract length would have been three years. By waiting until the end of the month, Benfica can secure their long-term future and significantly strengthen their position.
Transfer interest and new release clause
The same report states that Liverpool and Chelsea are among the clubs keeping a close eye on the defender. Barcelona were previously named as interested, and Bayern Munich have also been mentioned in recent weeks.
However, Benfica’s contract plans would dramatically raise the hurdle for any potential suitor.
Banzaqui’s release clause will increase from €30m (£25.7m) to €80m (£68.6m) following the signing of the new deal. The figure reflects the club’s growing confidence in the defender’s ability and their desire to protect one of their most promising academy products.
The youngster has already made three appearances for Benfica’s first team. Jose Mourinho handed him his first FRENZ debut during a Portuguese Cup match in December.
Since then, Banjaqui has also featured twice in the Primeira Liga. Notably, he recorded an assist against Estrela da Amadora at the Estadio da Luz in January.
Why are Liverpool and Chelsea watching?
The 1.84 m tall Banjaqui is known for his physical strength and ability to win duels and tackles. Additionally, he contributes forward with crosses and dribbling from the right flank.
The Defender is often described as having a “locomotive” under the wing. He combines pace and power with aggressive defensive work and a willingness to support attacks.
His profile rose further after becoming an U17 World Cup winner with Portugal. That development helped him earn promotion to Benfica’s senior team under Jose Mourinho during the 2025/26 season.
Football also runs in the family. Banzaqui is the brother of Figo and Zidane Banzaqui, and the cousin of Maldín and Rivaldo Semedo, all of whom have had careers in the sport. His full name is ‘Armando’, which, according to family naming patterns, may be an allusion to Diego Maradona – although it may be a little longer.
In recent weeks, Banzaqui has been playing for Benfica B in Liga Portugal 2 while continuing his development primarily in the youth league setup.
Nevertheless, the growing list of elite clubs tracking him makes clear Benfica’s urgency to secure a new contract.
Both Liverpool and Chelsea have made a habit of targeting elite young defenders across Europe. The release clause, set at €80 million (£68.6 million), suggests that Benfica view Banzaqui as a player with that level of long-term potential.
However, for now, the message from Lisbon is clear: the teenager’s future is expected to remain at Benfica – at least until someone is ready to carry out that evaluation.
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