Benfica ‘to target’ Cruzeiro striker Kaio Jorge for 2026/27 as Pavlidis alternative | OneFootball

Benfica are weighing a move for Cruzeiro striker Kaio Jorge for 2026/27 as an alternative to Vangelis Pavlidis, and any deal would hinge on a forward leaving, according to RTI Esporte.

The Brazilian forward, currently at Cruzeiro, almost joined Benfica in 2021 when Jorge Jesus was in charge, but chose Juventus instead. Now aged 24, he is back on the radar as the club keep tabs on the market.

Vangelis Pavlidis and Franjo Ivanovic are the players cited as potential departures to open space up front, although the Greece international’s position appears more secure. Director-general Mário Branco recently said Pavlidis wants to stay at Luz and is part of plans for the new season.

Marco Silva values Kaio Jorge’s profile and is seeking a mobile striker who links play, attacks depth and presses the opposition. Those attributes are seen in the Cruzeiro forward.

After a serious injury at Juventus, Kaio Jorge returned to form in Brazil, scoring 26 goals in 2025 and 12 so far in 2026. The run earned him a recall to the Brazil squad. He is under contract with Cruzeiro until 2030 and remains on international radars, with Benfica again monitoring him to bolster their attack.

Source: Glorioso 1904