Marco Silva blocks exit of midfielder who was all but out of Luz | OneFootball

Manu Silva will continue to be part of Benfica’s first-team squad in the 2026/27 season. After a start to pre-season in which his future was even in doubt, the Portuguese midfielder appears to have convinced Marco Silva and the rest of the coaching staff, earning a place among the manager’s options.

The number 16’s performances during preparations were enough to secure a place in the group that will compete in the new season. Signed from Vitória de Guimarães in January 2025 for around €12 million, Manu Silva went through difficult months after arriving at the Luz due to a serious injury.

Despite the difficulties, the 25-year-old midfielder remains under contract with Benfica until June 2030 and is now preparing to receive a new opportunity to show his worth under Marco Silva. Last season, the Portugal international played in 12 official matches, totalling 258 minutes on the pitch.

In addition to playing as a defensive midfielder, his natural position, Manu Silva also offers the possibility of operating in central defence, a trait valued by the coaching staff. That was precisely what happened in the friendly against Villarreal, when he came on to take Clément Lenglet’s place.

Largely due to the physical problems he faced, Manu Silva is now preparing to begin a new chapter at Benfica, determined to earn a more prominent role in Marco Silva’s squad.

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