The SAD led by Rui Costa turned down an offer worth roughly 14 to 15 million euros for the Luxembourg international, who has established a firm foothold in the starting lineup under Marco Silva.
The Bid and Benfica’s Stance
Meanwhile, Record reported that the initial valuation from the interested club touched the 15 million euros mark.
Despite the substantial figures involved, Rui Costa promptly rebuffed the bid. Internal evaluations at the Estádio da Luz indicate that the SAD has no intention of facilitating a cheap departure for a player who holds significant tactical importance.
Familiar Faces and Tactical Importance
Al Ittihad recently appointed Jens Wissing as head coach. Wissing previously served as an assistant to Roger Schmidt—the manager who originally brought Barreiro to Benfica. Eager to reinforce his midfield with a player he knows well, Wissing identified the Luxembourg international as a primary target.
Yet, Barreiro’s standing in Portugal has only solidified since his arrival. Having initially integrated under Schmidt, the midfielder has seen his influence grow considerably. This season, under the tactical direction of Marco Silva, Barreiro has featured prominently as a regular starter. Across seven appearances in all competitions this campaign, the 26-year-old has already contributed one goal and two assists, cementing his role as a vital engine in the middle of the pitch.
Wider Transfer Market Context
Benfica’s firm resistance against Al Ittihad underscores the club’s approach during the transfer window. Alongside Leandro Barreiro, teammate Richard Ríos has also drawn persistent transfer links to clubs abroad, keeping the Lisbon front office busy as they field inquiries for key squad members.
It remains unconfirmed whether Al Ittihad will return with an improved bid before the transfer window closes, or if they will pivot to alternative targets. For now, Rui Costa has drawn a hard line, signaling that pivotal cogs in the first-team squad command a premium valuation.
