Benfica’s Summer Plans: Mourinho Eyes Physicality and a Youth Movement
LISBON, Portugal – As the 2025/26 season draws to a close, Benfica is already laying the groundwork for a significant overhaul of its squad this summer, with manager José Mourinho prioritizing players possessing greater physicality and pace. The club intends to trim the current roster to create opportunities for promising young talents emerging from the club’s famed Seixal academy, according to reports.
Mourinho, who took the helm at Benfica in September 2025 after a near 25-year gap since his initial managerial role with the club, has reportedly been vocal – both publicly and privately – about the need for a more athletic and dynamic team. This shift in focus suggests a strategic move to address perceived shortcomings in the current squad, as highlighted in various post-match analyses since his arrival.
A Focus on Youth Development
Benfica’s plan centers around integrating players like Banjaqui, José Neto and Anísio Cabral into the first team. These academy graduates represent the future of the club and align with Mourinho’s vision for a faster, more energetic side. The promotion of these youngsters necessitates departures from the existing squad, signaling a period of significant player turnover at the Estádio da Luz.
This isn’t a latest sentiment from Mourinho. Even before officially taking charge, while still managing Fenerbahçe, he praised the depth of Benfica’s squad, noting the options available to the then-manager. However, his comments since assuming the role have increasingly focused on the limitations within the current group, particularly regarding physical presence and aerial ability. In a September 2025 match against Rio Ave, Mourinho pointed out Benfica’s lack of physicality, stating the team needed to find other ways to attack given its weaknesses in those areas.
Plantel “Emaciation” and Mourinho’s Vision
The Portuguese outlet Record reports that Benfica is preparing for a period of “emaciation” – a streamlining of the squad – to facilitate the integration of these young players. This suggests a willingness to part ways with established members of the team to make room for the next generation. The emphasis on physicality and speed is a clear indication of the type of player Mourinho is targeting in the transfer market.
Mourinho’s assessment of the current squad also reveals a team lacking in experience, particularly on the bench. Following a match against Gil Vicente in September 2025, he highlighted the youthfulness of the squad, noting that the oldest player on the bench was Barreiro at 25 years old, with the rest being teenagers. This lack of experience, he implied, hindered the team’s ability to manage critical moments in games.
Recent Form and Motivation
Despite recent setbacks, including elimination from the Taça da Liga and Taça de Portugal, Mourinho remains optimistic. He has reportedly focused on motivating the team and identifying areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining intensity and consistency. A recent report indicated Mourinho sought to rally the squad after the Taça da Liga defeat, emphasizing the importance of replicating the intensity shown in a previous match against Rio Ave.
The club’s recent social media activity also reflects a positive atmosphere. In December 2025, Mourinho shared a photo with the team celebrating his 750th career victory, signaling a strong bond between the manager and the players.
What’s Next for Benfica?
Benfica will continue its league campaign, aiming to secure a strong finish in the Primeira Liga and potentially qualify for the UEFA Champions League. The focus will also be on evaluating players and identifying potential transfer targets for the summer window. The club’s next match is yet to be confirmed, but fans will be keenly watching to witness how Mourinho utilizes the current squad and prepares for the challenges ahead.
The summer transfer window promises to be a pivotal period for Benfica, as Mourinho seeks to reshape the team in his image and build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. The emphasis on youth, physicality, and speed suggests a bold new direction for the Portuguese giants.
