Jorge Cuenca ‘to join’ Benfica in €15m move from Fulham | OneFootball

According to Bola na Rede, Benfica are closing in on Fulham centre-back Jorge Cuenca, 26, in a deal worth about €15m, a move that would reunite him with Marco Silva.

The Spaniard fits the profile targeted to strengthen the middle of defence after Nicolás Otamendi’s departure to River Plate. While the Silva connection is seen as helpful, Cuenca had been tracked by Benfica for months for his left-footed balance and build-up quality.

The agreement is described as advanced and could be completed soon, with only minor details to resolve. If finalised, he would work again with Marco Silva, who managed him across the last two seasons at Fulham.

In 2025/26, Cuenca made 22 appearances for the London club. He was not an undisputed starter, but his influence grew in his second campaign in England, showing consistency when called upon.

Cuenca previously came through Barcelona’s system, trained regularly with Ernesto Valverde’s senior squad in 2018 and made a single competitive outing in the Copa del Rey against Cultural Leonesa. He then had spells at Villarreal, Getafe and Almería before moving to the Premier League, and could now be set for a new chapter with Benfica.

Source: Glorioso 1904