Chelsea have earmarked Benfica fullback Daniel Banjaqui as their leading target for the January transfer window but face competition from Liverpool and Arsenal, according to TEAMtalk.
Benfica’s academy has long been a pathway to the top level of European football, with former Golden Boy winner Joao Felix in 2019 and Joao Neves, Paris Saint-Germain’s 2025 quadruple and two-time UEFA Champions League winner, among their graduates.
Banjaqui, described as ‘outstanding’ by Football Talent Scout—Jacek Lukig, is the latest youngster to emerge from the Portuguese club’s youth setup, and his academy displays are beginning to attract attention.
José Mourinho first noticed his development and gave the defender his first senior appearance in Benfica’s 2–0 Taça de Portugal win over S.C. Farense on December 17, 2025.
Since then, he has also made six appearances for the first team, with three of those coming in the ongoing campaign. He was particularly impressive in Benfica’s 2-0 win over AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League, where he won ten ground duels, seven tackles, and seven recoveries and completed 33 of his 39 passes in what was a formidable performance by the 18-year-old.
Now, according to TEAMtalk, Chelsea have earmarked Banjaqui as their leading transfer target in the January transfer window.
‘Outstanding’ fullback
The report adds that the Blues are expected to be among the busiest sides in January and are ready to splash the cash to sign a new fullback, with the Portuguese now in the frame after club captain Reece James’s injury.
In a boost to Chelsea, TEAMtalk adds that Benfica could be open to the fullback’s departure if their £38m valuation is met and there’s a growing possibility the Blues could trigger his clause amid James’s injury.
However, Xabi Alonso’s side are set to face stern competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, who are both keeping close tabs on the Portugal U21 international ahead of a possible move, according to the report.
Chelsea’s reported interest in Banjaqui makes sense for several reasons. First, he fits Chelsea’s youth-focused recruitment strategy, which has already seen success with the signings of Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian. This strategy has also brought in Harrison Bettoni and Alfie Osborne to the club’s academy in the recently concluded summer transfer window
In addition, his all-round display in a high-stakes Champions League game against seven-time winners Milan last month showed he has the qualities to slot straight into Alonso’s first team.
Still, Chelsea currently have Malo Gusto and the newly signed Marco Palestra as right-back options, so it’ll be interesting to see how the transfer plays out ahead of January.
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