Newcastle United could be looking for another deal at Benfica in January, for 18-year-old full-back Daniel Banjaqui. Manchester United could ruin their plans, though.
That’s because the latter have joined the growing list of clubs’ taking notice of the defender as he continues to impress for the Portuguese side.
Banjaqui is considered a breakout prospect at Benfica, despite having failed to enjoy a major breakthrough in the first team yet.
He debuted last season with three appearances in the first team last season worth 155 minutes. This season he’s on the same amount, but up to 261. The latest of those was 90 minutes in the win over AC Milan in the Europa League last month.
He also shone for the Portugal U21 national team during the break, scoring in a clash with the Czech Republic.
Suitors growing
And, as a result, the list of suitors for him is growing, as reported in Wednesday’s print edition of O Jogo.
A long list of clubs are tracking the 18-year-old and it’s growing by the day. That list includes Newcastle and Manchester United.
Indeed, they are among the four clubs who are taking the lead on the matter. They have already ‘gathered information’ regarding a potential deal. They’re at the front of the queue alongside Barcelona and Inter Milan.
What the costs are looking like
Benfica would be open to a deal in the €35-40m range, although no specific figure has been set. The youngster’s development will play a direct role on that front.
The belief at Benfica is that he will continue to develop at a rapid rate under Marco Silva’s guidance. Thus, his transfer fee will rise too. That could see them push for €50m plus in any deal.
The youngster is tied to a deal until 2031, signed in April. That includes an €80m release clause already. So, there is no need or desire to sell on the cheap.
Newcastle could have an advantage given they signed Amar Dedic in the summer, but it would be a small one if any. The reality is that Manchester United and Europe’s elite are circling looking to ruin their transfer idea.
Benfica to the Premier League
Direct moves · Past 10 years
| Year | Player | Destination | Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Ederson | Manchester City | Permanent |
| 2017 | Victor Lindelöf | Manchester United | Permanent |
| 2018 | Raúl Jiménez | Wolverhampton Wanderers | Loan; permanent in 2019 |
| 2020 | Gedson Fernandes | Tottenham Hotspur | Loan |
| 2020 | Rúben Dias | Manchester City | Permanent |
| 2020 | Carlos Vinícius | Tottenham Hotspur | Loan |
| 2021 | Nuno Tavares | Arsenal | Permanent |
| 2022 | Darwin Núñez | Liverpool | Permanent |
| 2022 | Carlos Vinícius | Fulham | Permanent* |
| 2023 | Enzo Fernández | Chelsea | Permanent |
| 2024 | Morato | Nottingham Forest | Permanent |
| 2025 | Florentino Luís | Burnley | Loan with purchase obligation |
| 2026 | Rodrigo Rêgo | Brighton & Hove Albion | Permanent |
| 2026 | António Silva | Bournemouth | Permanent |
| 2026 | Amar Dedić | Newcastle United | Permanent |
| 14 players · 15 separate moves | |||
Includes loans and permanent transfers to clubs competing in
the Premier League in the destination season.
Loan-to-permanent conversions at the same club are counted once.
*Vinícius joined Fulham from parent club Benfica after a loan at PSV.
Rêgo joined Brighton before being loaned to Castellón;
inclusion records the transfer, not a Premier League appearance.
Excludes moves via another permanent club and transfers to
Championship clubs.
Sources: Benfica, Premier League and receiving-club announcements.
Checked: 14 October 2026.
