Fulham’s previous interest in Ibrahima Ba is in the spotlight in Portugal. This is after Marco Silva reportedly identified the defender as a target for Benfica.
The Portuguese coach was officially unveiled by Benfica earlier this year after leaving Fulham. Now, reports from Portugal suggest he is keen to strengthen the side’s defence. And he intends to do so with a player he already admired while at Craven Cottage.
Correio da Manhã report Silva has approved a move for the Famalicão centre-back. The 21-year-old had been followed by the coach since last season.
Ba enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Portugal during 2025/26 and attracted attention from several clubs. Sporting were among those keen on signing him. Famalicão’s €25m (£21.3m) asking price was considered excessive and prevented any deal from advancing.
Marco Silva remains keen
The latest claims indicate Silva’s appreciation of the defender did not disappear when he left Fulham.
The newspaper states Ba was already a player Silva liked during his time with the Cottagers and has now emerged as a concrete option for Benfica’s summer rebuild.
Marco Silva recently made it clear he would not be raiding Fulham’s squad for Benfica signings… But he said nothing about taking a closer look at players the Cottagers themselves once wanted.
While there was never any agreement, Silva’s continued admiration suggests the defender remains highly rated by the manager. This is despite the financial obstacles that previously surrounded a transfer.
Benfica are fully aware Famalicão will demand a significant fee, but there is optimism in Lisbon that a deal could eventually be completed for less than €20m (£17m), a figure which would make negotiations considerably more realistic.
Jorge Mendes factor could help
Ibrahima Ba’s recent switch to agent Jorge Mendes is also viewed as a potentially important development.
Correio da Manhã explain Benfica’s strong relationship with Mendes could help facilitate discussions. This would apply if negotiations progress later in the window.
The defender made 24 appearances for Famalicão last season. However, he missed the closing matches of the campaign because of a knee sprain.
Benfica are expected to sign at least two centre-backs this summer, with António Silva and Tomás Araújo currently the club’s main options in the position.
The report adds that former Fulham defender Jorge Cuenca remains another player under consideration. Benfica have been linked with the Spaniard before. However, previous reports suggested concerns over the financial demands involved in that operation.
For now, though, Ba appears to be the defender carrying Marco Silva’s strongest endorsement, with the coach seemingly unwilling to abandon an admiration that dates back to his Fulham days.
