Defender Kabore strengthens Benfica’s defence

Issa Kabore is a player selected by Benfica to strengthen the right side of the defense and a direct competitor for Dane Alexander Bach.

The Burkina Faso international joins on loan from Manchester City after successive loan spells at Troyes, Marseille and Luton Town. The 23-year-old defender, who is expected in Lisbon on Thursday, will eventually become a (less expensive) alternative to first choice Zakaria El Ouahdi. Genk would not pay €10 million for the 22-year-old Moroccan.

Kabore’s physical ability is one of his strengths. He uses speed and dribbling as his two main weapons. In terms of defense, there are some gaps in the positional plan.

Benfica will likely pay the transfer fee, as well as the player’s salary. At the end of the season, the African will terminate his contract with Manchester City (he has never represented the English team), which paid 4.5 million euros for his transfer in the 2020/2021 season.

Issa Kabore, who has played 40 times for his country, comes to fill the gap in the Benfica squad, which has had no alternative to Ba since Gilberto left in 2023. During this time, midfielder Orsnes has adapted to the position several times. In pre-season, striker Thiago Gouveia was also considered.

Chelsea and PSG for Araujo and Leipzig for Antonio Silva

Chelsea and PSG have already made offers of €40 million (plus player inclusions) for centre-back Thomas Araujo, but Benfica are not a write-off: the player is not for sale. He has a contract until 2028 and a €100 million release clause.

Antonio Silva also has admirers. Leipzig will try to sign the Portuguese central defender. As you know Morning mailThe German club will make an offer significantly lower than the player’s release clause (100 million euros), but will offer a percentage for a future sale.