As of October 2025, Sport Lisboa e Benfica is navigating a season marked by significant player movements, challenging performances, and strategic planning for upcoming competitions.

Squad Changes and Transfers

Departures

Florentino Luís has been loaned to Burnley with a mandatory purchase clause set at €24 million, totaling €26 million including the loan fee (SL Benfica).

Kerem Aktürkoğlu was transferred to Fenerbahçe for €22.5 million, potentially rising to €25 million with add-ons (SL Benfica).

Rafael Luís, a 20-year-old midfielder, has been loaned to RC Strasbourg for the season, with an option to buy (SL Benfica).

Dodi Lukebakio, a 27-year-old Belgian forward, joined from Sevilla for €20 million plus €4 million in performance-related bonuses (SL Benfica).

Orkun Kökcü is set to move to Besiktas on loan with an obligation to buy for €25 million, potentially rising to €30 million with add-ons (SL Benfica).

Samuel Dahl, on loan from Roma, is in discussions for a permanent transfer. Benfica has offered €12 million, exceeding the original €8 million buyout clause (Reddit).

Recent Matches and Performance

In the 2025 Taça da Liga final, Benfica secured a 1–1 draw against Sporting CP and triumphed 7–6 in a penalty shootout, marking their eighth title and first since 2016 (Wikipedia).

In the UEFA Champions League, Benfica faced a setback with a 2–3 loss to FK Qarabağ at home, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities (Reddit).

In the Premier League, João Pedro, who received a red card in a match against Benfica, is suspended for Chelsea’s upcoming Champions League game against Ajax but remains eligible for domestic league matches (The Sun).

Upcoming Fixtures

Benfica is scheduled to face Tondela in the quarterfinals of the 2025/26 Taça da Liga on October 29, 2025, at 20:45 (local time) (SL Benfica).

The Club World Cup is set to take place in the USA from June 14 to July 13, 2025, with Benfica qualifying through UEFA’s four-year ranking system (Reddit).

Strategic Outlook

Benfica’s recent transfer activities reflect a strategic approach to rebuilding the squad, focusing on integrating new talents and addressing previous season’s shortcomings.

The upcoming fixtures, particularly in the Taça da Liga and Club World Cup, present opportunities to assess the effectiveness of these changes and the team’s adaptability in high-stakes matches.