“Rui Costa under pressure to justify the deal for Rafa.”

The return of Rafa to Benfica is imminent, and the anticipation is palpable. After a year and a half away, the Portuguese international is set to return to the Luz, a comeback that promises to shake up the encarnado camp. In 2024, Rafa made the controversial decision not to renew his contract with the club he represented for eight long years, but now all signs point to his path leading him back home.

There is no denying that Rafa’s talent is an asset to any team. With an impressive 94 goals and 67 assists during his time at Benfica, his quality is indisputable. Moreover, at 32 years old, soon to turn 33, his age should not be seen as a hindrance, even if speed is one of his main attributes. The big question now is how José Mourinho will integrate him into the squad: will it be as a winger, a position where he shone, or as a second striker, a role he has been used in lately?

Mourinho faces the challenge of working with a squad that was not chosen by him, which makes the need for reinforcements even more pressing. With Sidny already being an option and Rafa on the way, it would not be surprising if the coach saw another reinforcement before the end of the month.

However, the real surprise lies in Benfica’s willingness to invest five million euros in signing Rafa, especially considering that a year and a half ago the parties could not reach an agreement for the renewal of his contract. It is true that Benfica has a significant debt with Besiktas regarding the transfers of Kokçu and Gedson Fernandes, which could justify a discount on the bill. However, five million is not an amount to be overlooked. Added to this are the salaries, which, even if the player is willing to accept a pay cut, raise questions.

I fully understand Rafa’s desire to return home. The regret over his decision to leave the club, the longing for friends, and the passion of the fans are feelings that any athlete can relate to. But what raises questions is Benfica’s motivation to welcome the player back, especially Rui Costa, who heard Rafa’s words a year and a half ago when he expressed his desire not to continue at the club.

It is imperative that the president of Benfica explains to the members what has changed since then and internally justifies this decision. Benfica is a club with a strong identity and one of the best training academies in the world. All the young players emerging from Seixal dream of representing the first team. Playing with the eagle on their chest should be a final goal and not just a mere step in their careers. Fans need to be assured that the number 27, which Rafa will wear again, represents something more than just a simple transaction.

A club must always prioritize the collective over any individual, no matter how influential they may be. Rafa, who will now have to justify his return to the fans, is not an isolated case. Let us remember that recently, Spaniard Marcano left FC Porto and returned, being welcomed with open arms. The history of football is filled with twists and turns, and this return of Rafa to Benfica could be yet another of those. The question everyone is asking now is: is the club ready to embrace this new phase?