Plans for 2026/27: Benfica strategy built around youth | OneFootball

Benfica have already started planning for next season, regardless of whether José Mourinho stays or not. With that in mind, the press reports that the Special One, in close coordination with Mário Branco and the club’s structure, led by Rui Costa, has already defined the strategy regarding signings as well as departures from the club.

According to newspaper A Bola, the strategic plan also covers the academy youngsters who have been working with the Eagles’ first-team squad over the past year. As the same source explains, players such as Anísio Cabral, Daniel Banjaqui, José Neto and Gonçalo Moreira have already secured their place in Benfica’s pre-season.

However, the same will not happen with Gonçalo Oliveira, João Rego and Rodrigo Rêgo. According to the sports daily, the three youngsters are not expected to remain at the Luz in 2026/27 and need solutions. Everything indicates that the players should be loaned out so they can get more playing time.

In the case of Gonçalo Oliveira, captain of the Eagles’ reserve team, this may be the easiest case for Benfica to resolve, since the 19-year-old defender already has strong interest from abroad, namely in the French league, with Lens and Strasbourg entering the picture.

As for Rodrigo Rêgo, one of the first academy youngsters to be given a chance by José Mourinho, his future remains uncertain and could involve either a permanent transfer or a loan move. João Rego, meanwhile, is expected to be loaned out next season, but his departure depends on the coaching staff in 2026/27.

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