Liverpool Manager Andoni Iraola
Liverpool Manager Andoni Iraola
Liverpool turn their attention back to the Champions League on Tuesday night, with Villarreal visiting Anfield in matchday three of the league phase.
Andoni Iraola’s side head into the fixture looking to build on their start to the European campaign under the Basque coach.
The visit of the Spanish side comes amid a busy week on and off the pitch for the Reds. While preparations for Villarreal dominate the training schedule, Liverpool’s recruitment team continue to monitor targets across Europe ahead of the January and summer transfer windows.
That groundwork extends beyond the usual positions under scrutiny. One name being tracked with growing interest is a teenage full-back in Portugal, whose progress has reportedly caught Iraola’s eye.
According to Portuguese outlet Glorioso 1904, Liverpool have stepped up their observation of Benfica right-back Daniel Banjaqui.
The club’s scouts have followed the 18-year-old’s development with particular attention in recent weeks, with his performances said to be exciting Iraola.
Liverpool are not alone in that interest. Glorioso 1904 reports that Chelsea have also been tracking Banjaqui, a pursuit linked to Reece James’s recent knee surgery and Xabi Alonso’s reported wish to bring the Benfica defender to Stamford Bridge.
James has been ruled out for several weeks following the operation in October.
Benfica, under president Rui Costa, are said to be monitoring the international interest calmly. The report states the club have no intention of letting Banjaqui leave in the short term, viewing him as a high-potential asset with room to grow inside Marco Silva’s squad.
Liverpool’s scouting of the player is expected to continue on a regular basis during the club’s upcoming fixtures, according to the report.
Liverpool reportedly want to assess how Banjaqui responds in more demanding competitive settings before entering any negotiations.
For now, Banjaqui remains at the Estadio da Luz, with Benfica aiming to hold on to one of their most highly rated academy products as interest from English football grows.
Banjaqui has been at Benfica since the age of nine, progressing through the club’s Seixal academy. He won the European and World Under-17 titles with Portugal, starting seven of Portugal’s eight matches at the World Cup in Qatar.
He made his first-team debut under José Mourinho in December 2025, coming on as a substitute in a Taca de Portugal win at Farense, before starting league matches against Estrela da Amadora and Tondela.
Mourinho praised his performance at the time, saying he had no doubt Banjaqui would respond well when called upon.
In April 2026, shortly after turning 18, Banjaqui signed a new contract with Benfica running until 2031, with his release clause rising from €30 million to €80 million.
Barcelona and Bayern Munich had also been credited with interest in the defender before that renewal was finalised.
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