Benfica Makes €25M Bid for Samu Costa: How the Midfielder’s Move to Lisbon Could Reshape Portuguese Football

Lisbon, Portugal — Sport Lisboa e Benfica has become the first club to make a serious move for Real Mallorca midfielder Samu Costa, reportedly offering €25 million to secure his services before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The deal, which appears to have preliminary approval from the Spanish club, would mark a significant summer transfer and a major boost for Benfica’s midfield ambitions under José Mourinho.

Costa, a 25-year-old Portuguese international with seven goals and two assists in 37 LaLiga appearances for Mallorca this season, has been linked with several top clubs following his team’s relegation. However, Benfica’s aggressive bid positions the Lisbon club as the frontrunner to land the creative playmaker before the World Cup begins in November.

Why Benfica’s Bid for Samu Costa Could Be the Summer’s Biggest Transfer Story

While the transfer market remains fluid, Benfica’s reported €25 million offer for Samu Costa represents a significant commitment from the Portuguese giants. The bid not only reflects the midfielder’s value but also signals Benfica’s strategic intent to build a competitive midfield capable of supporting their title ambitions in the 2026-27 Primeira Liga season.

The timing of the bid is particularly interesting. With Costa having been called up to Portugal’s World Cup squad by manager Roberto Martínez, the transfer window before the tournament begins in November provides an ideal opportunity for both player and club. Costa would be able to prepare for the World Cup in Portugal while also familiarizing himself with Benfica’s system under José Mourinho.

For Benfica, the acquisition would represent a major reinforcement of their midfield, where they currently lack a dedicated box-to-box playmaker. Costa’s ability to create chances—evidenced by his 7 goals and 2 assists in 37 LaLiga games this season—would complement Benfica’s existing attacking options, including Rafael Leão and Enzo Fernández.

Samu Costa’s Impact at Real Mallorca: The Numbers That Make Benfica Salivate

Costa’s performance in LaLiga this season has been nothing short of impressive. In 37 appearances for Real Mallorca, he has:

These statistics paint a picture of a complete midfielder who can contribute both offensively and defensively. His ability to break down defenses, create scoring opportunities, and maintain possession makes him an attractive target for any top club looking to strengthen their midfield.

What makes Costa particularly appealing to Benfica is his versatility. While primarily a central midfielder, he has also played effectively as a box-to-box operator and even in a more advanced role. This adaptability would allow Mourinho to deploy him in various formations, making him a valuable asset in the Portuguese league’s unpredictable tactical landscape.

Real Mallorca’s Transfer Exodus: Why Costa and Maffeo Are Leaving

Costa’s potential move to Benfica comes amid significant transfer activity at Real Mallorca, where the club’s relegation from LaLiga has accelerated player departures. Alongside Costa, right-back Pablo Maffeo has also agreed terms with Olympiacos, with the Greek Super League club reportedly paying €3 million for his services.

Maffeo, who played 32 games for Mallorca this season, scored one goal and provided two assists. His departure, combined with Costa’s, leaves Mallorca with significant holes to fill in their squad for the 2026-27 Segunda División campaign. The club’s financial constraints following relegation are likely to limit their ability to retain key players, making Costa’s reported €25 million bid particularly lucrative for the Spanish club.

For Benfica, the opportunity to acquire Costa at what appears to be a favorable valuation presents a rare chance to strengthen their squad without the financial strain often associated with top-level signings. The club’s recent financial stability, combined with their deep pockets as one of Europe’s most valuable football brands, positions them well to make a competitive offer.

What This Means for Benfica’s 2026-27 Season Ambitions

Benfica’s reported bid for Samu Costa arrives at a pivotal moment for the club. With José Mourinho returning to manage the team for a second spell, the Portuguese giants are looking to build a squad capable of challenging for the Primeira Liga title and making a deeper run in European competition.

The acquisition of Costa would address one of Benfica’s key weaknesses: midfield creativity. While the club boasts world-class attackers like Leão and Fernández, they have often struggled to create consistent chances in the middle of the park. Costa’s ability to dictate play, break up opposition attacks, and initiate offensive transitions would provide the missing link in their system.

Tactically, Costa’s profile aligns well with Mourinho’s preferred style. The Portuguese manager often employs a high-pressing, possession-based approach that requires players who can both retain the ball and contribute to goal-scoring opportunities. Costa’s experience in LaLiga, where he has thrived in a competitive environment, suggests he would adapt quickly to Benfica’s demands.

Financially, the €25 million bid represents a significant investment, but one that fits within Benfica’s recent transfer patterns. The club has shown a willingness to spend big on key players when the opportunity arises, as seen with signings like Enzo Fernández and João Neves in previous windows. The potential long-term benefits of adding a player of Costa’s caliber to their squad make the investment appealing.

The Road Ahead: What Happens Next?

The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Benfica’s bid for Samu Costa comes to fruition. With the transfer window before the World Cup representing a unique opportunity for both player and club, the timeline for a potential deal is tight.

Key milestones to watch include:

• Medical and contractual negotiations: Both parties will need to finalize the medical examination and agree on the terms of Costa’s contract, including length and personal terms.
• Portugal’s World Cup preparations: Costa’s availability for Portugal’s World Cup qualifiers and potential friendlies will be a factor in the timing of the transfer.
• Benfica’s squad planning: Mourinho will need to assess how Costa fits into his pre-season plans and potential squad rotations.
• Competing bids: While Benfica appears to be the frontrunner, other clubs with interest in Costa—including Betis, who have been linked with him—may attempt to complicate the deal.

If the deal goes through, Costa’s arrival at Benfica would mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both player and club. For Costa, it would represent a move to one of Europe’s most storied clubs, with the opportunity to compete for domestic and European honors. For Benfica, it would be a significant step forward in their quest to reclaim their status as Portugal’s dominant football force.

How to Follow the Story

For the latest updates on this developing story, keep an eye on:

• Official announcements from Sport Lisboa e Benfica and Real Mallorca
• Portugal national team updates regarding Samu Costa’s availability for World Cup preparations
• José Mourinho’s pre-season statements, which may provide clues about Benfica’s transfer strategy
• Official transfer windows and deadlines, particularly the one before the 2026 World Cup

As the summer transfer window heats up, one thing is clear: the football world will be watching closely to see if Benfica can land Samu Costa before the World Cup. What’s certain is that the Portuguese midfielder has the talent and profile to make a significant impact at one of Europe’s top clubs—and Benfica appears ready to make the move.

Next confirmed checkpoint: Official transfer announcements expected within the next 4–6 weeks, with medical examinations and contract negotiations likely to conclude before Portugal’s next World Cup qualifier in September 2026.