Chelsea and Liverpool Eye Benfica Youngster Daniel Banjaqui
Premier League giants are scouting Benfica right-back Daniel Banjaqui ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Soccer
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Chelsea and Liverpool have expressed interest in signing 18-year-old Benfica defender Daniel Banjaqui. The clubs are currently evaluating the teenager as a potential addition to strengthen their right-back positions.
Why it matters
Chelsea is seeking a natural right-back to allow Pedro Neto to focus on attacking roles, while Liverpool aims to bolster its defensive depth. The player represents a significant talent acquisition target for elite European clubs.
Daniel Banjaqui has made six first-team appearances for Benfica this season and logged 22 matches with the club's B team. His current contract includes a £38 million release clause.
The players
Daniel Banjaqui
He is an 18-year-old professional footballer currently playing as a right-back for Benfica.
Chelsea
It is a professional football club based in London that competes in the Premier League.
Liverpool
It is a prominent English professional football club that plays in the Premier League.
Benfica
It is a professional sports club based in Lisbon, Portugal, known for its successful youth academy.
Pedro Neto
He is a professional footballer currently playing for Chelsea who is often deployed in attacking positions.
The details
Chelsea and Liverpool scouts are closely monitoring the 18-year-old, who has already gained experience in Benfica's first-team setup. Juventus and Borussia Dortmund have also been linked to the defender, though Benfica currently prefers to continue his development in Portugal.
Timeline
January 2027 marks the opening of the football transfer window.
Season Trajectory
This interest mirrors the established pattern of top-tier English clubs targeting Benfica academy graduates to fill specific roster gaps. The potential acquisition of Banjaqui could reshape the defensive rotations for both Chelsea and Liverpool throughout the 2027 season.
Chelsea and Liverpool are positioning themselves for potential January bidding, which could drive the final fee toward the £38 million release clause. Success in this transfer would likely shift Pedro Neto into a more permanent attacking role for Chelsea.
The takeaway
Scouts are prioritizing high-potential teenagers as clubs look for long-term defensive stability rather than immediate, veteran fixes. Supporters should watch for confirmation of official bids as the January window approaches.
Further reading
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Should your favorite football club prioritize investing in expensive young prospects for long-term development?
