Benfica: Banjaqui featured on Liverpool's official website

Liverpool have thrust Daniel Banjaqui back into the European transfer spotlight after featuring reports of a battle with Chelsea for the Benfica prodigy on their official website, citing Goal.

"Chelsea and Liverpool battle for Benfica prodigy as European interest grows in £30m-rated defender," read the media watch round-up on the Merseyside club's website, echoing Goal's assessment of Banjaqui as "an athletic, modern full-back who combines defensive solidity with attacking threat."

While it comes as no surprise that Liverpool—alongside Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Chelsea—are tracking the 18-year-old's development, it is noteworthy that the club featured the speculation on their official channels. This remains standard practice in their daily media digests, however, which regularly include a disclaimer that such reports do not reflect the club's official stance.

A European and World champion with Portugal's Under-17s in 2025, Banjaqui earned minutes under José Mourinho and has since taken another step up the hierarchy under Marco Silva, establishing himself as the primary alternative to Alexander Bah at right-back.

The young defender impressed during Benfica's 2-0 victory away against AC Milan on matchday one of the Europa League league phase, completing the full 90 minutes in a standout performance.

Integrated into the first-team squad under Marco Silva while continuing to gain playing time with the B team, Banjaqui has made six senior appearances (four starts) and recorded one assist. His first-team experience includes matches against Farense in last season's Taça de Portugal (2-0), Estrela da Amadora (4-0), and Tondela (0-0) in the league, as well as fixtures against Moreirense (4-0), Gil Vicente (3-1), and Milan (2-0) this season.

Currently recovering from a muscle injury sustained on Portugal Under-21 duty and nearing a return to action, the defender signed a contract extension in March tying him to Benfica until 2031. Protected by an €80 million release clause, the Lisbon giants remain in a strong negotiating position amid escalating interest across Europe.