Wolves defender Toti Gomes has emerged as a target for Benfica. The Portuguese club is looking at potential replacements should either Tomás Araújo or António Silva leave this summer.
According to a Portuguese insider outlet, the centre-back is among the options identified by Benfica. They are preparing for possible changes in the heart of their defence ahead of the new season.
António Silva has been repeatedly linked with Newcastle, while Tomás Araújo was heavily associated with Chelsea last year as the Blues searched for defensive reinforcements.
Following the club’s relegation from the Premier League, there is an expectation that some players will attract attention from elsewhere. Meanwhile, Wolves look to reshape their squad and finances.
Toti Gomes is not generally viewed as one of the more expendable assets at Molineux, however.
The 27-year-old established himself as one of the club’s most dependable players during recent seasons. He was regularly trusted in difficult circumstances.
His consistency and versatility made him an important figure in the Wolves back line, qualities which naturally attract clubs competing for trophies and European football.
Marco Silva factor
Benfica’s pursuit also comes shortly after the appointment of Marco Silva as the club’s new manager.
The former Fulham boss spent years competing against Toti Gomes in the Premier League. Therefore, he will be very familiar with the defender’s qualities.
While the pair have never worked together directly, Silva has had a close view of Toti’s development. His reliability is clear at the highest level of English football.
That Premier League experience could be particularly attractive to Benfica if they are forced into the market for a new central defender.
Toti Gomes has now accumulated well over 100 appearances for Wolves since breaking into the first team and has become one of the more established Portuguese defenders outside his homeland.
Potential Porto connection
There is also a subplot which may attract attention in Portugal if Benfica’s interest develops.
Back in 2023, Toti Gomes admitted to Record he had a soft spot for Porto because of family ties.
Speaking after facing Porto in a friendly, he explained: “I’m a little more of a Porto supporter because of my father.”
The comment was made several years ago and there has never been any suggestion it would prevent him joining another Portuguese club. Even so, a move to Benfica would inevitably generate discussion. This is given the rivalry between Portugal’s two biggest clubs.
For now, the interest appears to be linked to Benfica’s contingency planning regarding António Silva and Tomás Araújo.
Whether it develops into formal negotiations may depend on Wolves’ willingness to part with one of the defenders who has become a pillar of their back line.
