According to Team Talk, Benfica are sweating on the future of teenage defensive sensation Daniel Banjaqui ahead of the summer. A host of Premier League teams are alert to the possibility of signing the highly talented 17-year-old Portuguese prodigy following reports of stalled contract talks in Lisbon.
Jose Mourinho gave teenager Daniel Banjaqui his debut back in December, when the talented right-back started back-to-back league games for Benfica. The teenager has put the club in a difficult position when it comes to his future, following reports of stalled contract talks.
Discussions have not gone well with his camp, as Banjaqui is set to enter the final year of his deal in the summer. The highly talented 17-year-old Portuguese prodigy last signed a deal with the club back in 2024, which expires in 2027, and the summer will provide a clearer picture.
Benfica remain hopeful of renewing his contract, although if he refuses a new deal, the club might consider offers. Liverpool were recently linked with a move, as the club continue to search for high-calibre young defenders to develop and build for the future.
There are many other clubs with similar intentions within the Premier League, including Arsenal, who are looking at several young options in the market. The Gunners are renowned for their defensive development under Mikel Arteta and could view the potential low-cost availability of Banjaqui as a major market opportunity.
Arsenal and Liverpool are not the only teams in the running, as Newcastle United and Manchester United are also keen on the highly talented 17-year-old Portuguese prodigy. At the moment, these are the teams keeping close tabs on him, particularly the Magpies, who are intent on building for the future with young players they can develop in the present.
Manchester United are also in the process of fortifying their defensive unit, as the club are expected to bring in new senior defenders in the summer. As for Banjaqui, they could view him as a market opportunity and present the idea of developing within their ranks, as they have already shown a good track record of doing so with players like Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.
