Benfica is set to shake up the transfer market by turning its attention to Jan Virgili, a 19-year-old Spanish winger considered one of the biggest prospects in neighboring Spain’s football. With Mallorca’s relegation to the Spanish second division making the departure of some of its key figures inevitable, the Eagles now find themselves at the forefront of the race for a talent that has already attracted interest from top European clubs.
Jan Virgili, who stood out last season while playing for Mallorca with five assists and two goals in 34 matches, is seen by Benfica’s scouting department as a strategic reinforcement for the wings, at a time when Marco Silva’s squad is looking for rejuvenation and offensive creativity. According to information reported by Matteo Moretto, a journalist specializing in transfers for the Spanish daily Marca, the Eagles’ interest is genuine, and exploratory contacts have already been made to understand the player’s availability and the conditions required by the Spanish club.
THE 2026 WORLD CUP LIVES ON WITH LEGO
The contractual situation of Virgili adds a special element to the dispute, as Barcelona – where the player was part of the youth ranks – retains 40% of the economic rights and has a buyback clause set at €7.2 million. This particularity forces any potential suitor into delicate negotiations, but Mallorca’s relegation opens the door for Benfica to attempt to secure a favorable deal before rivals accelerate their interest. Celta de Vigo and Roma have also been mentioned as potential destinations, but Betis has reportedly dropped out of the equation, according to the latest indications from Moretto.
The investment in young foreign talents fits into the scouting policy that has characterized Benfica’s recent management, especially following the positive results from investments such as Enzo Fernández and Darwin Núñez. The ability to develop players and sell them for astronomical sums has become one of the hallmarks of the club from Luz, and the potential arrival of Virgili is seen as another step in this ambitious strategy. The pressure to secure quality reinforcements is heightened by the need to prepare the team for the demands of the Champions League and to maintain dominance in the national championship.
Matteo Moretto clarified, in statements to Marca, that “Benfica is attentive to the situation of Jan Virgili and has already inquired with Mallorca about the conditions for a possible transfer.” The journalist also added that “the relegation of the Spanish club has accelerated the process, making the departure of the young winger practically inevitable.” Virgili, for his part, has reportedly expressed openness to a new challenge, knowing that the Primeira Liga could be a prime showcase to make the definitive leap in his career.
If formal interest and a potential proposal are confirmed, Benfica will need to act quickly and convincingly, given the interest from other clubs with significant financial and sporting arguments. Barcelona, the former club of the winger, could further complicate matters if they decide to activate the buy-back clause and reintegrate the young player into their renewal project. Mallorca itself, despite the need to sell, will attempt to maximize their financial return by taking advantage of the multiple interested parties.
The outcome of this operation could decisively influence Benfica’s market this summer, determining not only the profile of the squad for 2026/27 but also the club’s ability to continue attracting young international talents. If Jan Virgili ultimately signs, it will be another bet on youth and irreverence, with the potential to excite fans and further enhance the sporting asset of the Eagles. The coming weeks will be crucial, with Benfica’s management preparing to intensify negotiations – and rivals closely watching every move.
[NOW YOU CAN FOLLOW](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/juventus-tenta-regresso-de-dybala-apesar-de-negociacoes-de-renovacao-com-roma/) THE WORLD CUP WITH ALL THE INFORMATION – [HERE](https://mundialfutebol.com/).
Discover more from Apito Final
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
