Rui Costa ‘to prioritise’ centre-back and left wing at Benfica | OneFootball

According to A Bola, Rui Costa has compiled a shortlist as Benfica prioritise a centre-back and a left-sided attacker for 2026/27, despite no head coach being confirmed. Several targets have been identified, with plans to refine them alongside the incoming coach.

The departures of Nicolás Otamendi and left winger Sidny Cabral have created immediate needs in those areas. Cabral has undergone medical tests ahead of a move to Trabzonspor in a deal worth €10m, potentially €12m.

Benfica intend to keep the core of the squad available to the new staff until the official start of the season. The aim is to allow Marco Silva, increasingly close to taking charge, to assess resources before any final decisions on departures.

Pre-season begins on 25 June. Benfica could play four friendlies, with Flamengo and Santos among possible opponents.

The campaign opens on 23 July with the first leg of the Europa League second qualifying round.

Source: Glorioso 1904