Benfica has a new goalkeeper in goal for 2023/24

Given the departure of Helton Leite on the march, SAD will still decide, with Roger Schmidt, whether to anticipate planning for next season. A second-place finish for Samuel Soares is one option on the table, but fear of injury to his regular holder is fueling an entry into the market to fill a scheduled position at a later date.

The target has been confirmed to be on the Benfica squad re-to-do list, but only for next season, something that may now have to be reconsidered given the possible departure of the usual substitute, Helton Leite, in a decision that will remain subject to analysis between president Rui Costa and sporting director Rui Pedro Prause. and trainer Roger Schmidt.

Vlachodemus, who is discussing a renewal of his contract, continues to own the position, but he must lose the one who shadowed him, thus leaving an open vacancy that could know two ways to be filled. On the one hand, and with the appointment of a new goalkeeper planned for next season, betting on young Samuel Soares, the holder of the B team who made his debut for the U-21 national team, is one equal solution. By those responsible for the light.

However, because Samuel Soares is only 20 years old – he has played 90 minutes in two friendlies for Benfica – SAD’s high expectations regarding the current season may give strength to another trend pointing to recruitment, in anticipation, of another goalkeeper who might already be a contender. directly to Flashodemus. In this way, any setback, especially a physical one, that might happen to the Greek international would be promptly compensated by a goalkeeper who already has more experience with his approach. The race for the national title and the Champions League debate give weight to this second path.

Helton Leite gathers suitors

Helton Leite is expected to change positions in January and several clubs are already considering signing him. After Vasco da Gama, it was Bahia that took a position in terms of securing the services of the 32-year-old goalkeeper, with the emblem of Bahian being coached by Benfica’s Renato Paiva with the help of Grupo City (Manchester City’s owners) in order to re-form the squad. However, as we found out, there is also a European club on the guardian’s trail, which would prefer to stay in Europe.