Daniel Banjaqui transfer: Major 2026 interest

Tottenham Hotspur are among a group of clubs monitoring Daniel Banjaqui, an 18-year-old right-back emerging from Benfica’s academy who has broken into the Portuguese side’s first team this season. The defender is also a Portugal Under-21 international, and he is reported to have a release clause set at €45 million.

Daniel Banjaqui transfer

Tottenham are said to be among several clubs tracking Daniel Banjaqui’s transfer activity, with Brighton also keeping a watchful eye on the defender. The list of interested teams reportedly includes Juventus, Roma, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad, according to 4-4-2.com.

At 18, Banjaqui has stepped up to Benfica’s senior squad this season after gaining first-team exposure last term. He has shown promise for Portugal’s Under-21s and at club level, offering the attributes modern full-backs are valued for: physical strength, high stamina, solid one-on-one defending and the ability to contribute in attack.

Why Tottenham and others are watching

Clubs seeking long-term full-back options view Banjaqui as a potential investment rather than an immediate, guaranteed starter. Benfica’s contract with the player runs until 2031, which strengthens their negotiating position. The report notes a €45m release clause, and Benfica would reportedly consider offers of at least €35m.

For Tottenham, adding a young right-back could bolster depth and help future-proof the squad. The profile — athletic, strong in one-on-one defending and capable going forward — aligns with the kind of full-back preferred by top clubs. Any involvement from Tottenham would likely require overcoming competition from several other major European sides and meeting Benfica’s valuation.

Background and contract details

Banjaqui’s rise through Benfica’s youth system to the senior setup reflects the club’s track record of developing talent. While no formal negotiations have been reported between Benfica and the interested clubs, intermediaries are said to have made initial contact and gathered information on the player’s situation.

Key details officially associated with the player include his age (18), status as a Benfica academy graduate now in the first team, his involvement with Portugal Under-21, the contract spanning to 2031 and the noted numbers: a €45m release clause and Benfica’s willingness to entertain offers starting around €35m.

Competition and consequences

The clubs mentioned in coverage represent a range of transfer strategies. Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, for example, have histories of acquiring and developing young defenders, while Juventus and Atletico Madrid signals a readiness among elite teams to invest in promising full-backs. Benfica’s leverage is enhanced by a long-term contract and a high release clause, setting the scene for potentially substantial negotiations.

For Tottenham and the other interested teams, turning interest into a concrete bid will require timely decisions and, likely, substantial funding to meet Benfica’s asking price.

What Happens Next

At present, Daniel Banjaqui’s status remains in the monitoring and scouting phase. No formal bids have been reported, and Benfica has not entered negotiations, according to the coverage. Future steps may include ongoing scouting and informal inquiries by intermediaries, with clubs weighing whether to launch formal offers that align with Benfica’s valuation. A definitive move will depend on whether a party acts to meet the release-clause framework or negotiates a deal within Benfica’s stated threshold.

Watch for official updates from the involved clubs or any confirmed bid reports to gauge changes in the player’s status.

Source: Original report