Marco Silva wants João Palhinha as Benfica target new No.6

Marco Silva wants Benfica to sign a new defensive midfielder and has identified João Palhinha as a player who could transform his team.

After adding centre-back Clément Lenglet and winger Jakub Kaminski, Benfica have addressed their most urgent squad needs. However, their summer business is far from complete.

Silva now wants a specialist No.6 with qualities he believes are missing from his current midfield, and Palhinha is a player he knows particularly well.

According to A Bola, Benfica are closely monitoring Palhinha’s situation while accepting that a deal will be extremely difficult.

Silva worked with the Portugal international at Fulham between 2022 and 2024, with the pair developing a strong relationship.

Benfica president Rui Costa and general director Mário Branco also admire the 31-year-old, but the finances represent a major obstacle.

Palhinha joined Bayern Munich from Fulham for €50 million in 2024 before spending last season on loan at Tottenham.

Bayern now reportedly want around €20m to sell him, while Milan and Juventus have also shown interest.

A permanent transfer would be difficult for Benfica because of both the fee and Palhinha’s salary.

The Portuguese club would likely need major player sales to finance the deal, potentially limiting their ability to strengthen other positions.

A loan with a €20m option to buy could therefore make more sense. Benfica could reportedly stretch to a net salary of around €3m per year.

Silva’s relationship with Palhinha may help, while the midfielder’s possible desire to return to Portugal could also give Benfica some encouragement.

Even so, the deal remains complicated and Benfica are exploring other defensive midfield options.

Benfica also need to make room in their squad before signing another midfielder.

Rui Costa has already indicated that further changes after the arrivals of a centre-back and winger would need to be based on a one-in, one-out policy.

Enzo Barrenechea is currently the leading candidate to leave.

The 25-year-old joined from Aston Villa for €15m last summer but failed to fully meet expectations. He made 43 appearances, starting 35, and contributed two goals and one assist before losing influence towards the end of the season.

Benfica and Barrenechea are now working together to find a solution.

Benfica will continue exploring the market for a No.6 while monitoring Palhinha’s situation at Bayern.

A deal may depend on player sales, Bayern’s willingness to consider a loan and Palhinha’s desire to return to Portugal. Barrenechea’s possible departure could also create the squad space needed for a new defensive midfielder.

Could Marco Silva convince João Palhinha to return to Portugal and join Benfica?