Chelsea and Liverpool lead chase for Benfica's £45m fullback Daniel Banjaqui

Chelsea and Liverpool have expressed interest in signing Benfica's highly rated Portuguese U21 international fullback Daniel Banjaqui, according to TEAMtalk. The 18-year-old has a £45m release clause, though Benfica could accept offers between £30m and £33m.

  • Player: Daniel Banjaqui, 18, Portuguese U21 international fullback
  • Current club: Benfica
  • Interested clubs: Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Juventus, AS Roma, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad, Barcelona
  • Release clause: £45m
  • Potential fee: Between £30m and £33m
  • Source: TEAMtalk report

Deal details

Benfica have placed a £45m release clause in Banjaqui's contract, but according to TEAMtalk they could be open to offers between £30m and £33m. No formal bid has been reported; Chelsea and Liverpool have simply expressed interest. The report adds that both Premier League clubs face competition from Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Juventus, AS Roma, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad and Barcelona.

For Chelsea, the latest injury and fitness concerns surrounding Reece James have intensified the club's interest in the best prospect, with Banjaqui now being eyed. Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola is a huge admirer of the highly rated Portugal U21 international.

The numbers

  • Ground duels won vs AC Milan: 10
  • Tackles made vs AC Milan: 7
  • Recoveries vs AC Milan: 7
  • Passes completed vs AC Milan: 33 of 39
  • Senior appearances for Benfica: 6
  • Appearances this season: 3
  • Release clause: £45m
  • Potential accepted fee: £30m-£33m

Why Chelsea and Liverpool are pushing for Banjaqui

Reece James's injury and fitness concerns have intensified Chelsea's search for right-back cover. Marco Palestra is yet to find his feet since arriving in England, while Malo Gusto has been inconsistent since the beginning of last season. Banjaqui would offer competition and a long-term option.

Liverpool have been forced to use Ronald Araujo at right back due to Jeremie Frimpong's unreliability since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen. Andoni Iraola is a huge admirer of Banjaqui, and the Reds see him as a solution to their right-sided defensive issues.

At £33m, Banjaqui would be a shrewd piece of business for either club. His performance against AC Milan in the Champions League — 10 ground duels won, seven tackles, seven recoveries and 33 completed passes from 39 — shows a player ready for a step up. Benfica's willingness to negotiate below the release clause makes a deal realistic, but the sheer number of suitors means Chelsea and Liverpool must act decisively.

Talking points

  • Should Chelsea prioritise a right-back over other positions given Reece James's fitness record? Banjaqui's potential £33m fee looks reasonable for a long-term solution.
  • Liverpool using Ronald Araujo at right back highlights a squad imbalance. Signing Banjaqui would allow Frimpong time to adapt without pressure.
  • With 14 clubs reportedly interested, Benfica could spark a bidding war. Chelsea and Liverpool must decide quickly whether to trigger the £45m clause or negotiate.
  • At 18, Banjaqui has only six senior appearances. Is he ready for the Premier League, or would a smaller club be a better stepping stone?

What happens next

Chelsea and Liverpool are expected to monitor Banjaqui's progress, with Benfica open to offers between £30m and £33m. The January transfer window could see formal bids, but competition from Tottenham, Manchester United, Arsenal and European giants means both clubs must move swiftly to secure his signature.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Daniel Banjaqui?

Daniel Banjaqui is an 18-year-old Portuguese U21 international fullback who plays for Benfica. He has made six senior appearances for the club.

What is Daniel Banjaqui's release clause?

He has a £45m release clause in his Benfica contract, but the club could be open to offers between £30m and £33m, according to TEAMtalk.

Which clubs are interested in Daniel Banjaqui?

Chelsea and Liverpool have expressed interest, while Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Juventus, AS Roma, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad and Barcelona are also in the race, per the report.

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