Chelsea and Liverpool have expressed interest in signing highly rated Portuguese U21 international fullback Daniel Banjaqui from Benfica, according to TEAMtalk.
Banjaqui has emerged as Benfica’s latest academy prospect, making waves, and could join Joao Felix, Joao Neves, Bernardo Silva and several others in moving to other top European clubs.
After impressing in the academy ranks, former head coach Jose Mourinho brought him into the first-team fold and handed him his first debut in a 2–0 Taça de Portugal win over S.C. Farense on December 17, 2025
He has since featured six times for Benfica’s senior side, including three appearances so far this season. One of his standout displays came in the 2-0 Champions League victory over AC Milan, where the 18-year-old delivered an impressive all-round performance.
The youngster won 10 ground duels, made seven tackles and recorded seven recoveries, while completing 33 of his 39 passes against the Italian giants.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, with TEAMtalk reporting that Chelsea and Liverpool have expressed interest in signing Banjaqui.
Exciting fullback
For Chelsea, the report adds that the latest injury and fitness concerns surrounding Reece James have intensified the club’s interest in the best prospect, with Banjaqui now being eyed while Liverpool’s head coach Andoni Iraola is a huge admirer of the highly rated Portugal U21 international.
In a boost to the Premier League duo, TEAMtalk adds that Benfica have placed a £45m release clause in his contract but could be open to offers between £30m and £33m.
However, Liverpool and Chelsea are set to face stern 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 in the race for the exciting fullback, according to the report.
Both Liverpool and Chelsea are in clear need of a reliable fullback cover at the right. Marco Palestra is yet to find his feet since arriving in England, while Malo Gusto has been inconsistent with his performances since the beginning of last season.
The Reds have also been forced to use Ronald Araujo at right back due to Jeremie Frimpong’s unreliability, as he has yet to get up to speed since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen.
As a result, Banjaqui would be a suitable option, and his £33m would be a shrewd piece of business for either of the clubs that successfully sign him.
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