Javier Parra Peña | 18 Sep 2025 | 20.30

Mourinho demands his first signing from Benfica: A player from Real Madrid.

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Benfica has embarked on a new era following the arrival of José Mourinho as coach, replacing Bruno Lage who was dismissed after the defeat against Qarabag in the UEFA Champions League.

The Portuguese coach has already made his first demand for the winter transfer market: to sign Ferland Mendy, the left-back from Real Madrid.

The goal of the Lisbon club is to strengthen a defense that has shown weaknesses on the flanks. With 10 points in 4 matches in the Portuguese league, the team currently sits in fourth place, but Mourinho believes it needs more solidity to compete for national and European titles.

🦅 Welcome, mister José Mourinho! pic.twitter.com/dpwSjDdNZB
— SL Benfica (@slbenfica_en) September 18, 2025

Mourinho wants Ferland Mendy at Benfica

The former Chelsea, Roma, and Inter coach sees Ferland Mendy as the right profile to reinforce the team. The 30-year-old Frenchman brings experience, one-on-one strength, and the ability to balance a squad that has solid center-backs like Nicolás Otamendi and Antonio Silva, but lacks defensive-minded full-backs.

Benfica would be willing to submit a €10 million offer in January. A figure that, according to Portuguese sources, could be convincing for Real Madrid, as the player is not in Xabi Alonso's plans.

The situation of Ferland Mendy at Real Madrid

The Frenchman is under contract until 2028, but his role at Real Madrid has been marginalized due to the coach's confidence in Álvaro Carreras and Fran García, who fit better into Alonso's offensive style. Furthermore, injuries have hindered Mendy's consistency, leading the club to entertain offers for him.

According to the specialized portal Transfermarkt, the full-back played 34 matches last season but has yet to feature in the current one due to recovery. His departure wouldn't pose a sporting problem for the team but would be a financial relief in terms of his wages.

Benfica and the European demand

Benfica is not solely focused on the Portuguese league. Mourinho has emphasized in multiple interviews that his aim is to excel in the Champions League, which requires a competitive squad in all areas. Bringing in Ferland Mendy would immediately raise the team's quality and provide a player accustomed to high-pressure matches.

A columnist from Record stated: “Mourinho has always prioritized solid defenses. Mendy can bring balance and leadership to a Benfica side looking to make an impact in Europe”.

José Mourinho's request is significant. With a demanding schedule and the obligation to climb the table, the Portuguese coach believes success lies in shoring up weaknesses. The deal for Ferland Mendy could be finalized in the coming weeks, marking the start of the coach's project at Benfica.

If the transfer goes through, the Eagles would add a player with over 140 appearances for Real Madrid, European title experience, and a tactical profile that aligns with Mourinho's philosophy.

The challenge is immense: to restore Benfica to the top with a solid project, with Mendy as one of the defensive pillars.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Mourinho exige su primer fichaje al Benfica: Un jugador del Real Madrid

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