Benfica plan squad clear-out, four players on the way out | OneFootball

Benfica have still not finalized their squad for the 2026/27 season, and the club’s SAD continues to work on the departure of several players. The structure led by Rui Costa wants to reduce the number of options available to Marco Silva, but is also open to considering offers for more influential players, provided the figures involved are deemed sufficiently attractive.

Bruma is the clearest case in this process. The winger is not part of the plans for the current season and is expected to leave the Luz before the transfer window closes. Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the possible destinations for the Portugal international, after interest from clubs in the player had already existed. The priority now is to find a solution that allows the Eagles to make the most of the investment made.

Richard Ríos’ situation is, however, one of the most significant. The Colombian midfielder arrived at the Luz from Palmeiras for €27 million and continues to attract interest abroad, but the Eagles do not intend to make his departure easy. The aim is either a permanent transfer worth more than €30 million or, if he is loaned out, the inclusion of a purchase clause or option. Bournemouth, Getafe and Roma have already made enquiries about the “cafetero” player, although no formal offer has yet arrived. The imminent arrival of João Palhinha, combined with the excess of options in midfield, could speed up the decision.

Anatoliy Trubin is also in a delicate situation. The Ukrainian goalkeeper lost his starting spot to Samuel Soares at the beginning of the season and wants to leave Benfica. Signed from Shakhtar Donetsk for €10 million, plus €1 million in performance-related bonuses, Trubin is still affected by a clause that gives the Ukrainian club 40% of the net capital gain from a future transfer. For that reason, the SAD is unlikely to agree to negotiate the player for less than €25 to €30 million, a figure that could limit the chances of a deal.

Finally, Dodi Lukebakio completes the group of players Benfica are willing to negotiate. The Belgium international cost €20 million last season, when he arrived from Sevilla, but he has not yet managed to consistently show the qualities that led the Eagles to invest in his signing. Despite his individual ability and experience, the winger could leave if an offer comes in that allows the club to recoup their investment. So, between departures that are already almost decided and others dependent on concrete offers, the SAD is keeping several fronts open, and Marco Silva’s squad could still undergo significant changes before the market closes.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.