Rui Costa accelerates Benfica defensive rebuild, urgent task for Marco Silva | OneFootball

Benfica have set their summer plans in motion, with Marco Silva close to taking charge and Rui Costa moving to speed up business, according to Glorioso 1904.

The club view the centre-back department as the chief priority after Nicolás Otamendi’s departure left a gap in quality and dressing-room leadership.

Benfica intend to recruit two central defenders, one experienced option to step straight in and fill the former captain’s role.

They are also targeting a younger centre-back as a longer-term investment, a player who can develop within the project.

Urgency has increased given early pre-season absences. Gonçalo Oliveira is leaving for Rennes, while Tomás Araújo will be with the national team at the 2026 World Cup.

With training due to start in late June and a Europa League second qualifying round tie on 23 July, Rui Costa and Marco Silva want the back line settled as early as possible.

Source: Glorioso 1904