Liverpool and Chelsea are both monitoring Benfica youngster Daniel Banjaqui, according to a report from Portuguese newspaperA Bola. However, the Premier League clubs may soon face a much tougher task if they decide to move.
The 17-year-old right-back is expected to sign a new long-term contract with Benfica once he turns 18 later this month. Banjaqui celebrates his birthday on March 24, which will allow the Portuguese club to offer him a deal running until 2031.
According to A Bola journalist Nuno Travassos, Benfica already have an agreement in place with the player’s representatives. The renewal is therefore considered a formality once he reaches legal age to sign a longer professional contract.
That timing is important. If Banjaqui were to sign before turning 18, the maximum contract length would be three years. By waiting until the end of the month, Benfica can secure his long-term future and significantly strengthen their position.
Transfer interest and new release clause
The same report states that Liverpool and Chelsea are among the clubs keeping a close eye on the defender. Barcelona were previously named as interested, and Bayern Munich have also been mentioned in recent weeks.
However, Benfica’s contract plan will dramatically raise the barrier for any potential suitor.
Banjaqui’s release clause is set to jump from €30m (£25.7m) to €80m (£68.6m) once the new deal is signed. That figure reflects the club’s growing belief in the defender’s potential and their desire to protect one of their most promising academy products.
The youngster has already made three appearances for Benfica’s first team. José Mourinho handed him his debut in December during a Portuguese Cup match away to Farense.
Since then, Banjaqui has also featured twice in the Primeira Liga. Notably, he registered an assist against Estrela da Amadora at the Estádio da Luz in January.
Why Liverpool and Chelsea are watching
Standing 1.84m tall, Banjaqui is known for his physical strength and ability to win duels and tackles. At the same time, he contributes going forward with crosses and dribbling from the right flank.
The defender is often described as a “locomotive” down the wing. He combines pace and power with aggressive defensive work and a willingness to support attacks.
His profile was further elevated after he became a U17 World Cup winner with Portugal. That development helped him earn promotion to Benfica’s senior squad under José Mourinho during the 2025/26 season.
Football also runs in the family. Banjaqui is the brother of Figo and Zidane Banjaqui, and the cousin of Maldine and Rivaldo Semedo, all of whom have followed careers in the sport. He has an ‘Armando’ in his full name which, following the family’s naming pattern, could be a nod to Diego Maradona – though that might be a stretch.
In recent weeks, Banjaqui has mainly been playing for Benfica B in Liga Portugal 2 while continuing his development in the Youth League setup.
Even so, the growing list of elite clubs tracking him explains Benfica’s urgency to secure a new contract.
Liverpool and Chelsea have both made a habit of targeting elite young defenders across Europe. A release clause set at €80m (£68.6m) signals that Benfica see Banjaqui as a player with that level of long-term ceiling.
For now, though, the message from Lisbon is clear: the teenager’s future is expected to remain at Benfica – at least until someone is prepared to meet that valuation.