Benfica looks for more talent to provide bench boost

Benfica’s quest for a stronger squad is heating up. With the right reinforcements, they could transform their bench in a stronger unit. The spotlight is on two current players: Ricardo Velho, the keeper from Farense, and Zakaria El Ouahdi, a right back from Genk.

Ricardo Velho has been turning heads with his impressive skills at Farense and has been linked with likes of Dortmund and Sevilla. As a keeper, he’s not just about making saves; he commands the box like a general leading troops into battle. His agility and quick reflexes keep opponents at bay, and he’s known for his ability to read the game, anticipating shots before they happen.


Benfica are looking at Velho as an alternative to Trubin and feel confident that he would serve as a capable back up who could step in if Benfica's current number one was to suffer an injury. His experience in the Primeira Liga is a significant advantage, that the 26 year old would provide in enhancing the squad depth. Plus, this would give Benfica the opportunity to loan out current back up Samuel Soares, for regular playing time.

Switching gears to the defense, Zakaria El Ouahdi from Genk is another name on Benfica’s radar. This 22 year old right back isn’t just a defender; he’s an asset that can change the pace of the game. With an eye for attacking opportunities, El Ouahdi brings a dynamic style that blends perfectly with aggressive offense and robust defense.

His ability to join the attack while tracking back ensures that Benfica’s flanks remain strong and unpredictable. Fans love to see full-backs who not only defend but also push forward to create scoring chances. El Ouahdi could add that spark to Benfica’s playing style and provide competition to current starter Alexander Bah.

The depth on the bench can keep starters fresh and ready, which is crucial for a long season. When every player is pushing each other for a spot in the lineup, it raises everyone’s game. Benfica would like to land both players for under €10M each, which is currently a non starter for both Farense and Genk.

As the clock counts down to the closing of the transfer window, the club hopes that both Velho and El Ouahdi can don the team's colours for an affordable price point.

Benfica looking at options for attack with Barca youngster on their radar

Benfica is actively exploring opportunities to bolster their attacking options and one intriguing prospect is the potential loan signing of Barcelona’s young star, Ansu Fati. At just 21 years old, Fati has already gained widespread recognition for his explosive pace, dribbling skills, and ability to find the back of the net, making him a highly sought-after prospect in European football. 

Benfica, keen to enhance their attacking prowess and add depth to their squad, views Fati as an ideal candidate to inject creativity and flair into their forward line. With Barcelona's current financial situation and the highly competitive nature of La Liga, a loan deal could be beneficial for all parties involved. For Fati, it presents an excellent opportunity to gain valuable playing time and develop further by taking on a pivotal role at Benfica, where he could become a key figure in the team.

Benfica would gain a talented winger capable of stretching defenses and providing crucial assists. The potential acquisition of Fati not only reflects Benfica's ambition to compete at the highest levels, both domestically and in European competition, but also their commitment to nurturing young, dynamic talent. If the move materializes, it could serve as a significant boost for both the player and the club in their quest for success.

Fatu spent last season on loan at Brighton and appeared in 27 games across all competitions, scoring four goals, while providing one assist in 994 minutes of action. Fatu missed two months of the season while at Brighton due to a calf injury. Benfica are hoping to seal the loan move before the transfer window closes at the end of month.

Roger Schmidt is a manager stuck in a rut at Benfica

When you look at the Benfica squad, you see talent everywhere. So why does Roger Schmidt choose to ignore it? With a lineup missing wingers and filled with defensive midfielders, it feels like he's driving a sports car in a school zone. Why does this style leave fans scratching their heads?

Florentino, Barreiro and Aursnes might be good players, but cramming them into the starting eleven is like packing sardines into a can. The balance is off. Schmidt relies heavily on defensive midfielders, which stifles creativity and risks turning the game into a tedious affair. Like a movie with no plot twist, the matches can become predictable, leaving fans bored and even frustrated.

Benfica did get the win today in their home opener at the Luz but it took them 70 minutes to open the scoring today and 160 minutes to score their first goal of the season but this only happened when Schmidt inserted winger Tiago Gouveia and attacking midfielder Orkun Kokcu into the game. This changed the dynamics of the attack and it powered the club to a 3-0 victory over Casa Pia.

Someone needs to tell Schmidt that wingers are essential for an attacking team. They add width and speed, stretching the opponent's defense thin. Yet, here we are, watching Benfica start games without anyone to whip in a cross or run down the flank. Instead of unleashing attacking plays, the team seems stuck in an up and down seesaw affair.

In today’s football world, creativity is key. With a setup that lacks flair and spontaneity, Benfica's attack can look lifeless. You start to wonder: Is it the players or the strategy? When players are meticulous with their passes but nothing ever seems to turn into a shot on goal, it feels like they’re trapped in a never-ending loop of passing drills at practice.

Benfica fans expect more than just solid defending; they crave excitement and goals. A team with so much potential shouldn’t be stuck playing it safe. It is not hard to see that Roger Schmidt seems more concerned with keeping his job then he is at actually playing to win games against the leagues minnows.

In the grand scheme of things, Schmidt’s approach might just confuse fans more than anything else. By overlooking the vital role of wingers and loading up on defensive midfielders, he's limiting the team's ability to attack. If Benfica wants to thrive, it’s time for a fresh outlook—a strategy that embraces offensive play and captures the spirit of the fans.

We are just two games into the season and although some of the players have changed, the coach remains an anchor holding this team back. It might just be time to throw him over board and keep steering the ship towards our goals without him.