Benfica Transfer Market: Young Internationals Without Space at Luz Could Head to Casa Pia

Henrique Araújo is not in Benfica's plans for the upcoming season and could depart the club during this transfer window.

The striker, a former Portugal U18, U19, and U21 international, still has one year remaining on his contract with the Eagles. However, Casa Pia has expressed interest, and he may even terminate his contract with Benfica to join "Os Gansos" (The Geese) on a permanent basis.

A BOLA understands that Casa Pia's interest in Henrique Araújo is genuine, and efforts are already underway to finalize the deal in the coming days. However, there are still hurdles to overcome. Not only does the 24-year-old striker need to agree on a contract termination with Benfica, but other clubs (including those from the international market) are also monitoring the Madeiran forward.

It's worth noting that Henrique Araújo made 11 appearances for Benfica's senior squad last season, in addition to eight matches (two goals and three assists) for the club's B team. In the 2024/2025 season, the striker had a successful loan spell at Arouca, playing 26 games, scoring seven goals, and providing one assist.

Henrique Araújo might not be the only player to move from Benfica to Casa Pia this season. André Gomes is also a target for "Os Gansos" for the 2026/2027 campaign. This information, initially reported by Record, has been confirmed by A BOLA: the goalkeeper is a desired acquisition for Casa Pia, and a deal appears to be progressing.

However, unlike the situation with Henrique Araújo, André Gomes's case is different. The goalkeeper still has two years left on his contract with Benfica, meaning any potential transfer to Casa Pia would require financial compensation. Casa Pia's SDUQ (Football SAD) might offer around 500,000 euros to acquire the rights to the young Portugal international, who has represented his country from U15 to U21 levels.

After making his debut for Benfica's first team in the 2024/2025 season, André Gomes spent last season on loan at Alverca, where he played 25 matches. Now, at 21, he could be on the verge of a new challenge, with Casa Pia emerging as a strong possibility for the goalkeeper's immediate future.

It should also be added that in both cases (Henrique Araújo and André Gomes), Benfica is expected to retain a percentage of the players' economic rights.