With the season winding down, clubs are already planning for the next campaign, and the transfer market is at the heart of those preparations. Transfermarkt is tracking the latest developments daily, covering official announcements and the biggest rumors from the sports press.
**May 9**
Journalist Pedro Sousa of Portuguese broadcaster ‘Now’ reported that Benfica has made inquiries into the possibility of signing João Palhinha, while Sporting is also interested in the Portuguese midfielder, a former Sporting player. Palhinha’s rights are owned by Bayern Munich, but he is currently on loan at Tottenham, which holds a €30 million purchase option at the end of this season.
Palhinha’s 25/26 Season (Liga Portugal): 28 games, 19 wins, 9 draws, no losses.
Real Madrid has reportedly initiated “direct contacts” regarding a potential move for José Mourinho next season, according to Fabrizio Romano. However, Romano adds that Benfica wants the coach to stay at the Luz for 2026/27.
**May 8**
Danish media, cited by ‘A Bola’, claim that FC Porto midfielder Victor Froholdt is on the radar of three English clubs: Arsenal, Liverpool, and Newcastle.
Spanish newspaper ‘As’ reports that Atlético Madrid is interested in signing Sporting’s Maxi Araújo next summer.
Newcastle has been scouting Sporting striker Luis Suárez throughout the season and has already made inquiries, according to ‘Record’.
‘Record’ also notes that Panathinaikos is keen on bringing Georgios Vagiannidis back, possibly on loan from Sporting next season.
**May 7**
Felipe Augusto appears to be Benfica’s preferred striker target for next season, after ‘Record’ revealed the 22-year-old Trabzonspor Brazilian is a target for the Eagles. Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan confirmed to local media that the club has received four offers for the player, one of which is from Benfica.
Yeremay Hernández – Left winger, market value: €25 million? ‘Record’ claims Sporting is preparing a new move for Yeremay Hernández. The Lions tried to sign the Deportivo La Coruña winger last summer without success, and the Spaniard remains on their radar for 2026/27.
Nicolás Otamendi – Center-back, market value: €1 million? It appears the future of Nicolás Otamendi does not lie with Benfica. The 38-year-old defender is out of contract with the Eagles, and according to Argentine journalist César Luis Merlo, the player is close to signing a 1.5-year deal with River Plate.
**May 6**
Ibrahima Ba – Center-back, market value: €3 million? Ibrahima Ba is a Sporting target for next season. According to ‘A Bola’, the Lions are interested in the Famalicão center-back to cover the potential departure of Ousmane Diomande in the summer. A deal could cost Sporting between €15 million and €20 million.
Tiago Gouveia – Right winger, market value: €4 million? As previously reported… [Note: The original text ended here without completion. The sentence can be omitted or completed based on context, but since it’s cut off, I will exclude it to avoid fabrication.]
