Glorioso 1904 exclusive - Marco tells Benfica to snub 10-goal defender | OneFootball

Benfica had Stepán Chaloupek on their radar to strengthen the heart of the defence, but the deal did not move forward due to Marco Silva’s decision, Glorioso 1904 has learned. After closely observing the Czech centre-back, the coach did not feel he had the necessary qualities to be the ideal signing for the Eagles’ defence.

The Slavia Prague defender was repeatedly linked with a move to the Luz during the transfer window. Despite a strong season, the Eagles’ coach concluded, after analysing his profile, that the player did not fully fit what he wants for the defensive unit.

That assessment ultimately weighed on the decision of the Benfica hierarchy, which remains in the market for a new centre-back. Interest in Chaloupek grew mainly because of António Silva’s imminent departure, but the board will now have to turn its attention to other targets.

The centre-back is therefore no longer in Benfica’s plans, despite having been closely monitored and continuing to attract interest from other European clubs. Hull City and Ipswich Town were among the clubs linked with the player, who recently extended his contract until 2030.

In the 2025/26 season, playing for Slavia Prague, Stepán Chaloupek — valued at €10 million — made 38 appearances: 27 in the Czech League, eight in the Champions League, two in the Czech Cup and one in the Czech second division. In the 2,610 minutes he was on the pitch, the player scored 10 goals and provided two assists.

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