From the moment José Mourinho returned to the bench at the Estádio da Luz, a critical question has echoed through Lisbon: who should Benfica sign to turn ambition into silverware? Benfica stands at a crossroads — still one of Portugal’s giants, but now under fresh leadership, they need precise reinforcements. In this article, SanaaGoal walks you through Benfica’s current needs, top targets (real or rumored), and suggested profiles that could push As Águias back to the summit.
Benfica’s Current Situation: Needs And Weaknesses
When Mourinho took over, he inherited a squad already showing flashes of promise — but also structural gaps. In the 2024–25 season, Benfica spent aggressively, most notably paying €27 million for Richard Ríos, their most expensive signing, and making several other high-profile acquisitions. Meanwhile, Kerem Akturkoglu, a winger who delivered key moments, has departed to Fenerbahçe for around €22.5 million. rs.com])
These moves leave both challenges and opportunities. Some immediate items on Mourinho’s shopping list:
- Striker depth and firepower: Pavlidis is solid but not world-class; backups are thin.
- Dynamic winger / wide attacker: With Akturkoglu gone, a direct wing threat is missing.
- Midfield creativity / balance: Mourinho often wants control in central zones.
- Young, high-upside talent: Maintaining Benfica’s model of buying young and growing them.
Given those structural needs, here are the best optionsix of realistic and bold.
Prime Targets and Rumors: Who Should Benfica Sign Now
Below we examine rumors and targets, then grade feasibility and impact.
1. Karim Benzema — Reunion with Mourinho?
The biggest name circulating is Karim Benzema, currently at Al-Ittihad. Mourinho reportedly wants to reunite with him at Benfica. The logic:
- Pros: His experience, reputation, and chemistry with Mourinho are upside. He could provide leadership and scoring in big moments.
- Cons: Age (37) raises durability questions. Also, Al-Ittihad may demand €7–8 million just to open talks.
- Verdict: High-risk, high-reward. Better as a short-term marquee rather than long-term foundation.
2. Nacho: A Budget-Friendly Veteran Option
José Mourinho is reportedly keeping an eye on Nacho — a reliable but often underutilized figure at Real Madrid. Bringing in the experienced defender could offer valuable depth and leadership without placing heavy strain on the transfer budget.
- Pros: Familiarity with top-level football, relatively younger, potentially undervalued.
- Cons: Might not solve the marquee striker or winger need.
3. Dodi Lukébakio — winger option
Listed in rumors as a winger linked to Benfica. Lukébakio could fill the vacancy left by Akturkoglu.
- Pros: Good age (late 20s), already linked by media.
- Cons: Might be expensive or have competition.
4. Federico Coletta — midfield prospect
Transfer rumors include Federico Coletta, an 18-year-old central midfielder. ansfermarkt]) He represents a classic Benfica youth buy.
- Pros: Long-term potential, fits the developmental model.
- Cons: Too raw to carry immediate weight under Mourinho’s demands.
5. Mohammed Amoura — striker option
Amoura has been on Benfica’s radar as a more offensive option. He could pair or compete with Pavlidis.
- Pros: Adds scoring options and depth.
- Cons: Might require adaptation and comes with some risk.
Suggested Profiles: What Benfica Needs Beyond Names
Putting rumors aside, here are the types of players Benfica should prioritize — and some sample names.
Striker who scores + presses
Mourinho will value a forward who not only nails chances but also works for the team. The ideal:
- Age 25–30
- Proven scoring in mid-level Europe or in top second-tier leagues
- Physical and tactical flexibility
Sample picks (depending on budget):
- A Bundesliga or Ligue 1 goalscorer
- A rising name in Spain outside the elite
Winger with direct impact
Replacing Akturkoglu demands someone with pace, dribbling ability, and goal threat.
- Right-footed on the left or left-footed on the right
- Age 22–28 to allow resale
Central midfield balance
A player who can distribute, press, and control transition. Mourinho often wants midfield dominance.
- A box-to-box midfielder
- Or a creative #8 with defensive discipline
Emerging young talents
Benfica must continue its tradition of snapping up high-upside talent.
- Ages 17–21
- Already showing flashes in smaller leagues or youth national teams
- Affordable with strong sell-on value
Feasibility Assessment & Transfer Strategy
No matter how brilliant the name, Benfica must be smart:
- Budget constraints: Benfica is ambitious but not a cash cow; deals must make financial sense.
- Timing matters: January vs summer windows — some targets are more viable mid-season.
- Wage structure: Bringing in Benzema or similar might force wage distortions and locker-room issues.
- Squad cohesion: Mourinho will want fast integration, so too many blockbuster transfers create instability.
A mixed approach likely works best:
- Sign a reliable striker or winger — e.g. Lukébakio or Amoura (or someone in that mold).
- Add a youth midfield/wing gem for long-term growth.
- Pursue a marquee name like Benzema only if terms are favorable and the player is motivated., Karim Benzema is the “splash” option many talk about. But the smart and sustainable wins will come from shrewd mid-tier signings plus internal development.
Final Thoughts
Who should Benfica sign? The best answer is: a balanced mix. Benfica must land a proven attacking reinforcement, secure creative or box-to-box support in midfield, and continue investing in youth. Karim Benzema might be a headline-grabber, but real transformation lies in well-calculated additions like Lukébakio, Amoura, or young gems like Coletta — players who bolster Mourinho’s ambitions while fitting into Benfica’s DNA.
In this article, SanaaGoal has explored both hype and pragmatism. Benfica fans: now it’s your turn. Who would you sign first? Share and debate — and check back often with us for transfer updates and in-depth analysis.
