Benfica hit by multimillion demand for Jorge Cuenca | OneFootball

Benfica continue to prepare for the new season under the command of Marco Silva, and one of the priorities identified by the club’s hierarchy is strengthening the heart of the defense. After Nicolás Otamendi’s departure to River Plate at the end of his contract, the Eagles intend to sign two centre-backs during this summer transfer window. Among the names shortlisted by the Benfica hierarchy was Jorge Cuenca.

The Spanish defender, who worked with Marco Silva at Fulham over the last two seasons, fit the profile sought to add experience and quality to Benfica’s defense. Left-footed and known for his quality in playing out from the back, Cuenca was a player appreciated by the Eagles’ new coach. However, despite the connection between the two, the deal is unlikely to move forward.

According to information reported by newspaper A Bola, Fulham are only willing to negotiate the centre-back for a fee close to €20 million, an amount considered too high by Benfica’s SAD to invest in a player who was not an undisputed starter for the London side.

Over the last two seasons, Jorge Cuenca made only 34 appearances for Fulham, split between 12 games in the first season and 22 in the second, numbers that also contributed to the Benfica officials’ thinking. Given this scenario, Benfica did not even begin formal negotiations with the English club and are already turning their attention to other alternatives on the market, while keeping their objective intact of strengthening the center of the defense before the official start of the 2026/27 season.

The need to reinforce the sector becomes even more important at a time when Gonçalo Oliveira is very close to leaving Benfica to join Stade Rennais, further reducing the options available for the position. The idea of the SAD led by Rui Costa is to offer the new coach two distinct profiles. On the one hand, an experienced centre-back capable of immediately taking on leadership of the defense. On the other, a younger player with room for development who can be integrated into the rotation.

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