Benfica to hold firm in January, no starters to be sold

Benfica are reportedly preparing to hold firm when the winter transfer window opens in January. The club does not plan to sell any of their starters during the winter window. With President Rui Costa intent on preserving the core of the squad. Decisions on possible exits are due to be revisited at a later stage.

This policy protects two of the club's most coveted players. Striker Vangelis Pavlidis has drawn Tottenham's attention, but Marco Silva is said to regard keeping him as a priority. His contract carries a €100m clause, a figure that signals the scale of any commitment, even if Benfica might negotiate below it.

Winger Gianluca Prestianni sits in the same bracket. He is contracted until 2029 and has a reported €100 million release clause, though that does not necessarily represent the fee required for a transfer. Tottenham, Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid are all linked. Benfica are also strengthening their position with the player, as talks over a new contract until 2031 have begun.

For potential suitors, the message is clear, Benfica will only negotiate on their key players in the starting XI with offers approaching the valuations of the said players. The conversations are unlikely to pass any inquiring stage if this term is not met.

E Pluribus Unum: The Eagle Reclaims Its Banner

 

Club president Rui Costa unveiled Benfica's new emblem at the General Assembly on Saturday, October 31, at the Estadio da Luz complex. It will debut on new membership cards issued after the renumbering process, then spread gradually across the club. Benfica says the new identity will be phased in across official touch points, stadium facilities and future kit collections.

The changes are subtle but meaningful. The eagle takes on a more golden tone and grips the banner bearing “E Pluribus Unum”. The bicycle wheel rim switches from white to gold and the red-and-white shield is slightly wider. The look is more classic, inspired by the crest used between 1973 and 1999 and the eagle holding the banner is a detail supporters had long requested. 

The update was prompted by the club’s new statutes, approved on March 8 2025. It is a respectful refinement that restores traditional details rather than a radical rebrand and it aligns the crest with the official description in the club’s rulebook. It also fits a wider push to protect the club’s identity. New kit guidelines require the original full-colour emblem rather than monochrome versions and they take effect from the 2026-27 season onward. 

Benfica Join the Chase for Mexican Teen Gilberto Mora

 

Gilberto Mora turned 18 on October 14 and FIFA rules now allow a move to Europe. Benfica are among the clubs lining up.

Homegrown Talent

Mora joined Tijuana's youth system in 2019 and did all his development there. His family moved to Tijuana when he was nine and his knack for rescuing struggling youth sides earned him the nickname "El Bombero". In August 2024 he became the third-youngest debutante in Liga MX history. This past summer, he made his World Cup debut at 17 years and 240 days, breaking a record that had stood since 1930 as Mexico's youngest World Cup player.

The Numbers

Mora has 53 appearances for Tijuana across Liga MX and the Leagues Cup, with 10 goals and two assists. He also has 12 senior caps for Mexico. His chance creation ranks among the best of his peers.

Benfica's Interest 

Portugal's Noticias ao Minuto reported in the summer that Benfica were showing interest in the Mexican international and have been joined by German side Borussia Dortmund and English club Liverpool. Benfica are said to be the more proactive club of the three and have had preliminary talks with Mora's agent.

The Price

The price tag for the 18 year old could be in the €25 million range which is said to be his buyout clause, though depending on what negotiations are discussed and perks added to any move, this could come down lower. The winter transfer window should tell us more.