Rui Costa defends João Palhinha transfer and outlines Benfica market plans after Europa League win

Europa League qualification

Benfica secured entry into the Europa League league phase following a victory against Danish side Aarhus. Winger Gianluca Prestianni scored two goals in the match, continuing a strong run of form that Rui Costa addressed during his post-match comments. Speaking in the mixed zone, the Benfica president acknowledged that while the club is historically accustomed to Champions League competition, reaching this stage of the Europa League was an absolute operational obligation. Costa noted that the squad had to navigate an atypical pre-season campaign caused by player participation in the World Cup, but explained that the team has now attained greater stability heading into upcoming domestic fixtures.

Transfer dispute and Palhinha valuation

Costa directly addressed recent public remarks made by Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas regarding Benfica's acquisition of midfielder João Palhinha. Benfica completed the signing of the 31-year-old Portuguese international for an initial fee of €14 million, with an additional €5 million linked to performance add-ons. Varandas had previously remarked on the financial expenditure and stated that the player did not align with Sporting's sporting project after prioritizing Tottenham in late June. Costa explicitly rejected the notion of discussing rival management decisions, maintaining that Benfica evaluates signings based on sporting needs rather than purely seeking subsequent transfer profits.

I can comment on players who arrive at Benfica, but I will not comment on the sporting policy of other clubs. That is something I have never done in my life, nor will I do it now. I limit myself to commenting on the sporting policy of my club.

Negotiation structure and role of Marco Silva

The pursuit of Palhinha required extended negotiations led by Benfica's executive leadership, including manager Marco Silva and sporting director Mário Branco. Costa stated that the midfielder's immediate willingness to join the club was decisive throughout talks. The president emphasized that Palhinha had prior experience playing under Marco Silva and possesses proven experience at the top level. Costa tempered unrealistic expectations around the arrival, pointing out that Palhinha is not an individual match-winner brought in to dribble past dozens of opponents or score 70 goals, but rather a structured addition who fits the technical profile needed in midfield.

We are very pleased with the fact that we brought in Palhinha. He fits into our policy. Not all players are signed with a view to the financial return the athlete might yield.

Transfer window deadlines and squad renewals

Looking ahead to the conclusion of the transfer window, Costa outlined the calendar constraints governing Benfica's squad management. Although the domestic Portuguese transfer market remains open until September 4, the club operates under a practical deadline of September 2 due to UEFA squad registration limits. Costa remarked that further roster movement remains possible or even probable before those dates, although the primary transfer targets are already integrated. In addition, Costa confirmed that Norwegian winger Andreas Schjelderup has received a contract extension offer, while reaffirming Benfica's commitment to retain Prestianni as the squad prepares for its next league match on Monday following a recent two-point drop.