Three Seixal graduates disappoint Marco Silva and are demoted to Benfica B | OneFootball

With just over two weeks until the season begins, Marco Silva is still refining Benfica’s squad as they prepare for St. Gallen in the Europa League second qualifying round. According to Glorioso 1904, three Seixal academy graduates have been demoted to the B team under Nélson Veríssimo.

Midfielder Rafael Luís returned from a season on loan at Strasbourg but failed to convince during pre-season and is already training with the B team. The likeliest outcome before the window shuts is another move, either on loan or permanently.

Goalkeeper André Gomes has also joined the B squad while his future is decided. He was first choice at Alverca on loan last term and wants regular football. With Samuel Soares, Anatoliy Trubin and Diogo Ferreira ahead of him, his next step may come elsewhere.

João Fonseca will remain with the B team for the 2026/27 campaign. The 19-year-old centre-back will continue his development under Veríssimo as he seeks to edge closer to the senior side.

Rafa Obrador and Gustavo Varela are likewise with the secondary group. Both are attracting interest, and decisions on their futures are expected in the coming days as Benfica continue to settle the squad for the new season.

Source: Glorioso 1904