Fulham’s The Marco Silva era is over, but Benfica’s plans for the summer suggest the Portuguese club are not finished looking at Craven Cottage.

The London club has already seen Silva depart after five years in charge. The Portuguese coach is expected to take charge at Benfica.

Now, according to morning mailOne of the manager’s most trusted Fulham players, Lisbon has emerged as a target for the side.

Silva wants to reunite with reliable player

Harry Wilson is reportedly on Silva’s shortlist as Benfica begins to shape their squad for next season.

The timing is crucial as the Wales international’s contract expires at the end of June, meaning he could leave Fulham as a free agent. This has naturally attracted the attention of many clubs.

But Harry Wilson’s relationship with Marco Silva dates back to the manager’s first season at Fulham. The pair then continued to work together during Fulham’s Premier League years.

While injuries disrupted some campaigns, Wilson remained an important member of the team and a player on whom Silva consistently relied.

According to Correiro da Manha, that relationship has now put him firmly on Benfica’s radar.

The report adds that Silva would like to take the 29-year-old with him to Portugal. Instead of paying a transfer fee, Benfica could offer a signing-on bonus.

Wilson currently earns around €3.5m (£3m) per season, and the Portuguese newspaper believes his wages should not be a hindrance if Benfica decide to make a move.

Premier League clubs are also watching

Marco Silva may have an impact on Benfica’s side, but he is not alone.

Correio da Manhã reports everton Interest continued after an attempt to sign Wilson during the January transfer window. At the time, Silva reportedly blocked any deal and considered the winger too important to lose.

Aston Villa Interest is also credited and one can enter the race in the coming weeks.

This leaves Fulham facing a familiar challenge. Losing a manager often creates uncertainty among players who were particularly close to him. Wilson seems to fit into that category.

However, with his contract expiring, Premier League interest rising and Silva now established as the driving force behind Benfica’s recruitment plans, Fulham may soon find that losing their manager was only the beginning of the story.

Marco Silva’s fulham The exit appears closer than ever now that several key hurdles have now been removed, Portuguese newspapers report.

The recent report has focused on Benfica is getting closer to Marco Silva’s demandsTuesday’s coverage paints a clear picture. It makes clear what those demands actually were.

Silva wants influence on more than transfers

portuguese newspaper News bulletin Claim the biggest sticking point in negotiations has been Silva’s autonomy over his coaching staff. His influence on the squad building and the structure of his contracts is also significant.

For several weeks, most coverage focused on the large financial gap between Fulham’s renewal offer and Benfica’s offer. However, Jornal de Noticias now suggest that talks have focused on how much control Silva will have upon returning to Portugal.

Benfica and Silva have spent recent weeks discussing guarantees over the composition of their coaching staff. He has also discussed his role in building the team. Furthermore, he has also talked about the duration of his contract.

The newspaper reports that discussions are still ongoing on whether the deal will last for two years with an option for a third season or whether it will be structured as a three-year fixed contract.

Either way, the proposed timeframe roughly matches Rui Costa’s current presidential mandate.

Jornal de Noticias stated that Fulham continue to pursue a renewal of Silva and have not given up hope of keeping him despite Benfica’s progress.

Separate reports proceed

While the Jornal de Noticias describes the conversation around influence and autonomy, morning mail The claim is that Silva has effectively been promised full control over next season’s plans. They will also get complete control over recruitment related decisions.

Both newspapers broadly agree on the direction of travel but differ slightly on how much power Silva will ultimately receive.

Correio da Manhã also provides one of the most impressive claims of the day. He says that Silva has been working on Benfica squad matters for several days. This includes discussions regarding possible arrivals and departures.

If accurate, it would suggest that preparations are already underway, despite the fact that no appointment can be formalized until the Jose Mourinho situation is resolved.

The same report said that Silva wanted to make the announcement as soon as possible and start work immediately. However, Rui Costa is said to have asked for a few extra days. The reason for this is the uncertainty over a possible move for Mourinho to Real Madrid. According to Correiro da Manha, Silva accepted that request.

This presents an interesting contrast to some of the reporting of recent days, which has largely featured Silva as a pressure party. Here, the Benfica president is presented as a man who demands patience.

Fulham ready to get answers

Correiro da Manha also claims Silva is expected to return to England to inform Fulham in person of his decision.

This does not mean that the saga ends immediately. But this suggests that the process is entering its final stages.

So perhaps the most notable aspect of Tuesday’s reporting is that the conversation now appears to be about what his role will be when he arrives. Doesn’t feel like ‘if’ anymore.

Autonomy, staffing decisions, hiring influence, and long-term planning have become central themes. Fulham could be a turned page.

fulham Now Benfica’s own uncertainty could work in their favor as Marco Silva prepares for a crucial meeting over his future.

The Portuguese manager has a big renewal offer from the London club, but He is also expected to arrive in Lisbon today As Benfica tries to move the situation closer to a decision. The problem for the Portuguese side is that they still cannot provide him with complete clarity.

These are the main developments from Wednesday’s newspapers in Portugal.

morning mail, to ball And record All present Silva as Benfica’s priority target. However, he has also made it clear that Jose Mourinho’s drawn-out situation is now causing problems for the Lisbon club.

According to Correio da Manha, the uncertainty over Mourinho’s expected exit has created concerns inside Benfica. The issue was also discussed at a meeting on Monday between Rui Costa and the club’s football structure.

If Benfica takes too long, the head coach may begin to walk away from the position.

Marco Silva wants more Benfica clarity

Correiro da Manha says Marco Silva has an important meeting with Fulham on Thursday.

This is important because Fulham have proposed a four-year renewal With a net annual salary of around €7.5m (£6.3m) on the table. That’s a serious proposition, and Benfica simply can’t compete with those numbers.

The newspaper adds that Silva would like to go into that Fulham meeting with more concrete information about Benfica.

From Fulham’s perspective, Benfica’s delay could help. Silva is interested in the Lisbon challenge, but he still needs certainty about Mourinho’s future, the playing project and the conditions in which he will play.

One Bola says Silva is expected to arrive in Lisbon today and should follow up with Benfica in the coming days.

Silva has already said in England that his decision will be known by the end of this week. Ek Bola reiterates that he is ready to remain at Fulham or leave after five seasons.

Benfica has pace and problems

A statement said the 48-year-old manager is receptive to the project. The challenge at the Estadio da Luz has been described as attractive, and Benfica are prepared to make a significant financial effort within the reality of Portuguese football.

The offer being prepared by Rui Costa’s board is unlikely to match the Premier League money. However, this would involve a long-term contract, which is one of Silva’s demands.

still, Benfica’s problem remains Mourinho. The current manager still has one year left on his contract. A Bola says the possibility of him leaving Real Madrid is gaining momentum, but nothing has been decided yet.

Benfica cannot formally proceed while this is unresolved.

Limbo can push options away

Correio da Manhã goes further on the damage it causes. They say there is an internal fear at Benfica that this obstacle could push away potential candidates.

The issue is that whoever comes in may be made to feel like second choice because the club is still waiting for Mourinho. Its impact is already happening.

The newspaper says some coaches have become cautious because of the uncertainty. Others, even without direct contact, have already taken the initiative to say no, including Jorge Jesus and Ruben Amorim.

This gives Fulham another potential advantage. If Silva feels that Benfica cannot give him enough guarantees ahead of the Fulham meeting, he may opt for the safer route of staying in England.

Record says Benfica are still in the works

The Home of Record report adds another layer. They say Rui Costa and Mario Branco are not standing still waiting for a solution to Mourinho’s future. Benfica is already working on potential transfer targets and contacts are ongoing.

The goal is to move forward quickly once the new manager is confirmed.

Record say that Benfica want to be able to announce the signing just days after naming their coach. This urgency is partly because their season starts earlier than expected on July 23.

The record states that Benfica do not expect much changes, but they are assessing the outlook for the players already in the squad. Major sales will be required due to financial pressure after missing out on Champions League qualification.

Still, the new manager will have a say in those decisions. That’s why delay matters a lot.

The meeting route looks less dangerous

A Bola also brings a useful detail from outside the Benfica-Fulham fight.

Marco Silva has been linked with Milan, but Gazzetta dello Sport now points to Andoni Ierola as the main candidate for the Italian club.

According to A Bola’s summary, Ierola has already met with Milan owner Gerry Cardinale, with a final decision expected within a week.

Irola has also been linked with a move to Benfica, but this development does not make Milan look like a direct threat to Silva.

So for now, the battle remains between Fulham and Benfica.

tottenham’s The final home game of the season brought plenty of tension, relief and some notable faces to North London.

One of the more unexpected guests, however, was Benfica midfielder Heorhi Sudakov – who attended Spurs’ 1-0 win over Everton with his agent Vadim Shabali.

The result saved Tottenham’s Premier League status after a disastrous domestic campaign. While there were many guests around the stadium for such a decisive afternoon, the presence of a Benfica player accompanied by his agent naturally raised eyebrows.

Who is Sudakov?

Heori Sudakov is considered one of Ukraine’s greatest talents. The attacking midfielder finished the season with four goals and four assists in 36 appearances for Benfica in all competitions.

Benfica signed him from Shakhtar Donetsk last summer for around €20m (£16.9m). His idea was to become the main creative reference of the side after years of acting in Ukraine.

His adaptation has not been perfect so far, especially given the tactical and physical demands of Portuguese football. Nevertheless, glimpses of quality have been evident throughout the season.

When he played, Sudakov was highly active centrally and moving into wide areas – particularly towards the right flank – averaging 2.28 key passes and 6.96 crosses per game, numbers that underline how much Benfica trusted his creativity and delivery.

that was a goal bournemouth And armory In recent years.

Tottenham’s visit explained

According to Portuguese outlet to ballHeori Sudakov used his holidays to visit London ahead of Ukraine’s June friendlies. After the final whistle, he posted a video showing the bonding between the Tottenham players and supporters after the survival.

Later he uploaded a picture from the stands with Shabli.

Undoubtedly, there would be a reasonable explanation for the trip. Everton defender Vitaly Mykolenko is Sudakov’s international teammate and was involved in the match.

Why are questions raised about this?

Having Heori Sudakov there with his agent makes this trip more interesting than a simple football trip.

Tottenham have struggled badly for creativity and squad depth this season. Injuries exposed his lack of technical options in attacking midfield areas, especially as games became more compact.

Sudakov is not a finished product yet. However, he is exactly the type of technical midfielder that Premier League clubs monitor closely ahead of a potential breakout year.

Of course, his Champions League pedigree and record of over 100 goals and 29 assists in 16 matches in the Ukrainian League may tell a slightly different story.

For now, it can only be a football trip between Ukrainian international players. But with an agent next to her in the stands, there’s enough here to wonder whether a summer story might be beginning to form.

fulham Still trying to retain Marco Silva, but the Portuguese press now presents Benfica’s pursuit as the most advanced ever.

across reports from record, morning mail And to ball The picture has become clear this Friday. Silva has not yet given his final answer to Fulham. However, Benfica see him as their chosen target if Jose Mourinho leaves for Real Madrid.

The record goes further than most on that point. They say that Silva already knows that he is the man wanted at the Estadio da Luz. The newspaper says that, even without direct contact between Benfica and the Fulham manager, the Lisbon club believes the situation is under control.

This is partly because both Mourinho and Silva share the same agency link through Jorge Mendes. The record claims that Benfica are controlling the situation mainly through that route.

Fulham awaits final answer

Marco Silva is still focused on Fulham’s final Premier League game against Newcastle United on Sunday.

It is only after that match that he is expected to sit down with Fulham officials and explain his decision. Records show that the London club have offered him a further four years.

This fits in with the Portuguese’s recent line that Fulham are making a big effort to convince him to stay, As we have covered before. A Bola said Silva could respond to the renewal motion by Sunday.

Correio da Manha put Silva’s current salary in London at around €7m (£5.9m) per year. Benfica, meanwhile, are prepared to move up to around €5m (£4.2m), with the possibility of a signing bonus.

So the financial gap is clear. Benfica cannot match Fulham directly. Their hope is to sell Silva a different type of project.

benfica senses opening

Marco Silva has already shown some openness to returning to Portugal. Correio da Manhha quoted him as saying: “I won’t close the door on anything.”

The same outlet now claims Silva has already informed Fulham that he wants another challenge. They also insist that no full deal has yet been reached with Benfica, while reports elsewhere suggest that a deal was close.

Bola is more optimistic about the situation at Benfica. He says that after several weeks of contact, talks with Silva are well advanced and just lack the green light for the decisive phase.

That final step would involve a contract of at least two years.

One also says that Silva feels ready for a new challenge. The newspaper adds that he sees his Fulham cycle, which began in 2021, coming to an end.

Another key detail is from A Bola. Silva’s main concern is not just money. He wants guarantees that Fulham are prepared to make a strong investment in signings to increase the team’s competitive level.

According to the newspaper, this did not happen last season and Silva had complained about it.

A Bola described the situation as one where “white smoke” could arrive at any moment, with Silva’s answer to Fulham and Benfica’s own next move now expected to happen very soon.

mourinho domino still has everything

For Benfica, everything is linked to Mourinho. The Record says Rui Costa wants to resolve Mourinho’s future first. Only then will he take more concrete steps towards Silva.

The same newspaper says that both dossiers are directly linked. Mourinho’s exit from Real Madrid should pave the way for the next step.

There is some disagreement in Portugal over the financial mechanisms involved. Records cite around €7m (£5.9m) as the figure required to activate Mourinho’s exit clause, with the deadline set for Tuesday, May 26.

Meanwhile, A Bola kept the clause at €3m (£2.5m), with Benfica required to make a regulatory disclosure in Portugal before formally moving on to a new manager.

That difference should be noted carefully. What matters to Fulham is the bigger picture: Benfica are preparing, but still waiting.

The record also brings another complication. With Enrique Riquelme entering the Real Madrid election race against Florentino Pérez, the announcement of an official move to Madrid cannot come quickly enough.

However, An Bola says Benfica are still hopeful of movement by Sunday.

Silva’s options

Correio da Manhha also mentions Paulo Fonseca as another name admired by Benfica. Still, that path is difficult as he has a contract with Lyon until 2027 and has recently indicated that he wants to stay.

espn brazil It is also mentioned that Brazilian manager and former left-back Filipe Luís was offered to Benfica, but was rejected because he did not have the ‘playing profile’ that Rui Costa was looking for. He was also linked with Fulham recently.

The next few days look decisive for Fulham. They have offered money, protection and a four-year deal. Benfica is dealing with the situation, the pressure, the return home and the chance to rebuild one of Portugal’s biggest clubs.

Silva now has to decide which challenge matters more.

tottenham And Aston Villa The two are being linked with Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis after another extremely productive season for the Greek international.

The 27-year-old finished the campaign with 30 goals and five assists in all competitions. This also includes the winner in the Portuguese Super Cup final against rivals Sporting.

More importantly, he has scored 60 goals in 110 appearances since arriving from AZ Alkmaar for €18m (£15.2m) two years ago.

His consistency across the two campaigns has made him one of Benfica’s biggest assets in the summer window. Those numbers are now echoing loudly across Europe.

This is where Tottenham and Villa enter the picture.

Interest in Premier League is increasing

According to Portuguese newspaper gameBoth Premier League clubs are keeping a close eye on Pavlidis. Meanwhile, AC Milan and AS Roma in Italy are also interested.

The report adds that no formal proposal has yet been put on the desk of Benfica president Rui Costa. At this stage, the situation is more about growing interest than advanced negotiations.

Nevertheless, the links make sense from an English perspective.

Tottenham have tried unsuccessfully to rely on Dominic Solanke and Richarlison over the past two seasons. For various reasons, neither of them have effectively occupied the starting spot.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, are preparing for another demanding season under Unai Emery. Ollie Watkins continues to attract attention, Tammy Abraham lacks consistency, and Villa will need strong rotation options as they prepare for another season balancing Premier League and European football.

Why interest?

Vangelis Pavlidis is a modern striker known for his presence of mind, link-up play and finishing ability.

Often compared to Karim Benzema, the Benfica forward regularly drops deep to link attacks, create space and involve teammates rather than staying inside the box.

At 1.86 m, he combines physical strength with agility, protects the ball well and is dangerous in one-on-one situations. Pavlidis is also a clinical finisher with both feet, his heading is impeccable and highly effective inside the penalty area.

However, his close control in tight spaces is one of the weak aspects of his game.

As well as his goalscoring record, he is also known for his vision and ability to create chances for others.

Benfica is open to major sales

Vangelis Pavlidis will turn 28 next season, and O Jogo points out that Benfica could now see this summer as the ideal moment to consider a sale.

The Portuguese side are already planning a significant reconstruction. They are also waiting to see if Real Madrid will activate the clause required to lure Jose Mourinho away from Lisbon. Such a move will further blow the preparations for the next season.

Because of this, it is expected that Benfica will be willing to negotiate for some of their biggest names if the numbers make sense.

However, Pavlidis won’t come cheap. Benfica paid €18m (£15.2m) for him and will only consider a bigger offer.

For now, Tottenham and Aston Villa remain in the monitoring phase. The praise is there, but Benfica are still waiting for someone to make the first real steps.

tottenham Players are still getting used to life under Roberto De Zerbi, but Benfica goalkeeper Anatoly Trubin has already offered a detailed glimpse of what it’s really like to work with the Italian.

And judging by the Ukrainian’s words, the current Spurs manager makes a very strong impression on his players.

talking to to ballThe 24-year-old reflected on his season under De Zerbi at Shakhtar Donetsk in 2021/22. The Italian has clearly changed the way he looks at football.

Trubin described De Zerbi in one word: “crazy.”

However this was not a criticism. Quite the opposite.

Trubin explains the de Zerbi effect

Anatoly Trubin repeated many times that De Zerbi changed his understanding of football.

“He opened my eyes to another way of playing, even for me, as a goalkeeper. He wants everyone to know their role.” he explained.

“We still ask ourselves how we played football before him, because he opened a new way of playing for us.” He said.

The Italian has built his reputation around structured possession football, aggressive build-up play and demanding positional responsibilities. Goalkeepers become part of the build-up phase rather than simple shot stoppers.

For that reason, it’s especially interesting to hear such strong praise from a goalkeeper.

Trubin then also made it clear that he would welcome another opportunity to work with him, along the lines of something that would inevitably attract attention in North London.

“He can still teach me a lot,” The goalkeeper admitted that before answering whether he would like to move to England.

“There is no player in the world who does not want to play in the Premier League, but I have to continue to work hard.”

For now, Trubin says he’s happy in Lisbon, and touts its benefits “Ten Months of the Sun”. Nevertheless, the overall tone of the interview was extremely positive whenever De Zerbi’s name came up.

Could Tottenham finally take a look at him?

It is expected that Tottenham will make a decision in line with the target this summer.

Interest in Guglielmo Vicario remains and may not last forever, while Antonin Kinski still has to prove he can become a long-term No. 1 at Premier League level. This naturally makes the Trubin angle interesting.

The Ukrainian already understands the demands of De Zerbi better than most goalkeepers on the market. At 24, he also fits the profile that Tottenham usually target – young enough for development, but already experienced at a high level.

His figures have been strong this season too. In Liga Portugal, Trubin conceded only 20 goals in 32 matches and kept 13 clean sheets. Benfica allows a goal with him every 144 minutes, while the goals he concedes per 90 minutes is 0.63.

His shot blocking numbers are also impressive. Trubin saved 74 of the 98 shots he faced, giving him a save percentage of 75.51%.

Those statistics help explain why Benfica view him as one of Portugal’s most valuable goalkeepers. Manchester City were linked with them Before stepping in for Gianluigi Donnarumma. That’s why their stocks are high.

At present there does not seem to be anything to suggest that Tottenham are actively pursuing him. However, after such glowing comments about De Zerbi, and with uncertainty surrounding Spurs’ goalkeeping situation, Trubin suddenly feels like a profile worth watching if Tottenham are to remain in the Premier League.

Newcastle United’s The search for another high-end central defender has taken them to several European markets over the past year.

The Magpies have focused on youth profiles capable of making long-term starts rather than short-term improvements, particularly with injuries and concerns about squad depth continuing to follow Eddie Howe’s side.

One name that has consistently remained in that conversation, at least according to the Portuguese press, is Antonio Silva.

The Benfica defender has been admired in Newcastle’s recruitment structure for some time. The club first tried to convince him To go to the Premier League. There was also serious interest from Juventus before Benfica blocked the sale.

However, the situation is now changing rapidly at the Portugal international level.

Newcastle United attentive to contract situation

according to recordBenfica have formally offered Antonio Silva a new contract as they attempt to avoid entering a dangerous situation over his future.

The 22-year-old only has one year left on his current deal, meaning this summer could become the Portuguese side’s last realistic opportunity to secure a big fee.

Benfica president Rui Costa is trying hard to convince the defender to stay. The report suggests that the club is also ready to hand over the captaincy to Antonio Silva after Nicolas Otamendi’s departure from the club.

That offer is designed to show how central he is to Benfica’s future plans.

Everyone’s waiting to see what happens

Records show that Benfica still want Antonio Silva and Tomas Araújo to become the club’s long-term defensive partnership next season. Even Jose Mourinho reportedly planned around that idea before his expected departure to Real Madrid.

However, Benfica also knows that the player himself now controls most of the situation.

If Antonio Silva refuses to renew, the Portuguese club may be forced to seriously consider offers. Newcastle are one of the clubs that have already deployed the player after previous contact with the camp.

The Magpies’ interest also makes strategic sense.

Fabian Schar turns 34 this season and has struggled with injuries at various moments of the campaign. Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw were regulars for most of the season, but the pair also showed inconsistency during several stretches. Meanwhile, Dan Byrne – heavily used on the left side of defense by Eddie Howe – has also just turned 34.

This leaves Newcastle in a position where adding another long-term central defensive option could become a serious priority this summer.

Antonio Silva still looks like a promising profile despite a mixed campaign at Benfica.

The defender has made 43 appearances in all competitions this season. He will also remain a regular in Roberto Martínez’s Portugal plans ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Benfica hope that interest in him may increase further during the summer period.

Benfica’s stance is changing due to contract pressure

What makes this situation particularly important for Newcastle is the contract deadline.

Benfica already had enough power to reject approaches outright. This becomes even more difficult if Antonio Silva delays renewal talks into the summer.

The record states that the player is expected to wait until after the World Cup before making a final decision on his future. Benfica are aware of that possibility and know that the clock is now working against them.

Newcastle already know the resistance from Benfica. However, this time, if renewal talks fail to progress, the Portuguese side will not have as much room to hold on.

Manchester United He may not be the frontrunner for Richard Rios just yet, but Benfica are now openly laying the groundwork for a potential sale – and that changes the picture around the Colombian midfielder.

Messages have been coming from Portugal for several weeks remained relatively firm. Benfica did not want to be sold cheaply, the player was happy in Lisbon and the club saw the 2026 World Cup as a prime opportunity to further increase his value.

That stance has not completely ended. However, a recent report to ball Suggests that reality is now catching up to ambition.

Benfica need money – and Rios is one of the obvious candidates

The Portuguese side are preparing for a summer rebuild after a disappointing season. There is a real possibility that they will miss out on Champions League football, which would deal a significant financial blow.

Because of this, Benfica’s board are now considering sales that they would ideally have avoided.

According to A Bola, Richard Rios is one of the main names being discussed internally as a possible major exit. Andreas Schjelderup and Vangelis Pavlidis have also been mentioned, but the Colombian midfielder has been described as the leading candidate in midfield.

This is a notable change in tone compared to earlier reports. Because previously, Benfica had only been described as willing to listen to “unique” proposals. Now the language has become soft. The report states that the club would be willing to analyze offers upwards of €30m (£26m).

Of course, this is still a large fee. But it is also a far cry from the €100m (£87m) release clause in his contract.

Manchester United still remain interested

Keeping an eye on the situation, Manchester United has once again been named among the English clubs.

The report does not go as far as claiming formal negotiations or bids. However, the Premier League team continues to feature in Portuguese reporting about the player.

Napoli are said to be particularly alert, while English clubs are also monitoring developments.

But for United, the interest still makes logical sense. Since the beginning of 2025, Richard Ríos has played 90 matches for club and country. That workload alone speaks volumes about his physical toughness.

Also, his production has also improved this season. The 25-year-old has already registered six goals and six assists, making this the most productive campaign of his career so far.

If Michael Carrick’s side are looking to improve the midfield, he could certainly be one of the strong contenders for a place in the team.

Benfica is balancing evaluation and urgency

The interesting thing here is the paradox that Benfica is now trying to manage.

On the one hand, they still believe that the World Cup can significantly increase the market value of Richard Rios. The Colombian is expected to be part of his national team’s plans in 2026, and Benfica know that a strong tournament could greatly increase his price.

On the other hand, they may not be in a financial position to comfortably wait.

An Bola repeatedly formulated the club’s summer strategy around the need for liquidity before reinvesting in the team. This explains why the tone around Rios has become more lenient.

So while Benfica aren’t actually putting the “for sale” sign on the midfielder, there is now a very clear sense that they are ‘open to offers’ – especially if the Premier League club decide to seriously make a move.

Manchester United have identified Benfica’s Samuel Dahl as a transfer target for the summer window.

The Sweden international left his country when AS Roma signed him from Djurgårdens IF in 2024. Before his move to AS Roma, Manchester United had kept an eye on him.

His decision to join the Serie A team did not work out as the left-back only played three matches. The transfer probably came too soon for the now 23-year-old.

Therefore, the Italian club let him join Benfica on loan in January 2025 before selling him later that year.

Dahl has played 68 matches for the Eagles so far and 46 have been in this season. His league statistics per game are as follows:

• Intercept: 0.5
• Tackle: 2.7
• Possession won (final third): 0.2
• Ball recovered: 4.5
• Clearance: 1.5
• Blocked Shots: 0.2
• Duel won: 4.8

Fullback attracts Manchester United

sports witness first broadcast news tottenham hotspur and sending crystal palace His scouts to follow Benfica’s matches.

However, Manchester United are considering that and Wednesday’s edition record A major report with ‘Dahl seduces United’ written in bold.

He now plays an important role under Jose Mourinho, reviving the memory of the Red Devils following him from the past.

The Old Trafford club have sent their scouts to follow the Swede more than 10 times this season and are pleased with the information gathered so far.

Record Status: ‘The English club appreciates the full-back’s physical strength and the fact that he has already shown his ability to adapt to different systems and even to different areas of the field at Benfica.’

This has convinced Manchester United to consider making an offer in the next window. However, the newspaper makes no mention of the fee they are willing to pay or Benfica’s demand or stance towards a summer sale.

Last week, Sport Witness covered Spain’s claim Manchester United are moving towards the signing of Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde. It seems Michael Carrick’s side are looking to improve on this situation this season.

Sweden contracts, prices and agent information

Samuel Dahl’s contract is until 2029 transfer market He is worth €12m. However, his club are likely to demand more considering AS Roma maintain 40% sale-on clause.

Swedish agency Futnation, owned by agent Miralem Jaganjak, is looking after the player’s interest and future.

Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Crystal Palace are keeping an eye on Benfica right-back Daniel Banzaqui. The rapid growth of adolescents has begun to attract serious attention throughout Europe.

The 18-year-old has been quietly building momentum in Benfica’s system, which will have attracted the attention of Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Crystal Palace. He has featured regularly for Benfica B this season and has also played in the UEFA Youth League, a competition the club consistently uses to hone elite prospects.

Banzaqui’s output is beginning to match the hype. Operating as an attacking full-back, he has contributed 2 goals and 4 assists in 21 appearances in Benfica B and youth competitions this season. Additionally, his minutes have steadily increased, which reflects the growing confidence of the coaching staff.

Those numbers tell only part of the story. His profile stands out due to his ability to carry the ball and create from wide areas. According to statistics from platforms such as FBref, he ranks highly among Benfica B defenders for progressive carries and touches in the final third.

That combination – the end product and the progress – explains why clubs in England are paying attention. Benfica have a long track record of developing full-backs who move for significant fees, and Banzaqui appears to be next in line.

Interest in Premier League emerged

That broader context makes Portugal’s latest update particularly relevant.

morning mail Report Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Crystal Palace are all closely following the defender. Clubs from Spain, Germany and Italy are also in the picture, while Paris Saint-Germain have made preliminary enquiries.

We covered it in early March liverpool and chelsea Were already keeping an eye on him. So now faced with that level of interest, Benfica have moved quickly to secure his future.

Daniel Banzaqui’s decision and the Benfica plan

Despite attracting interest from across Europe, Daniel Banzaqui has decided to stay at Benfica and continue his development.

The Portuguese outlet reports that there is an agreement in place for a contract until 2031, with the release clause set at €80m (£69m). The deal is expected to be formalized after he returns from international duty with the Portugal under-21 team.

The important thing is that the project presented before them goes beyond financial point of view. Benfica have outlined a clear route into the first team for the 2026/27 season.

There is also a structural reason why that opportunity may come sooner. The club is ready to sell Alexander Bah or Amar Dedic, who would create a space at right-back.

Furthermore, the presence of Jose Mourinho has played a role. The teen reportedly values ​​the opportunity to develop under him.

what happens next

Daniel Banzaqui’s decision reflected the familiar Benfica pattern. The club retains control early, develops the player further, and only sells when the value has peaked.

For Premier League clubs, this becomes a long-term monitor rather than an immediate opportunity. However, the level of interest already suggests he is firmly on their radar.

If his progress continues and he establishes himself in the first team, the current England focus is likely to increase rather than decrease.

The competition could increase even more between Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

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.