Liverpool have been tipped to battle Chelsea, Arsenal and Bayern Munich for Benfica’s highly rated 18-year-old right-back Daniel Banjaqui, with the teenager emerging as a potential long-term solution to the Reds’ defensive concerns.
Liverpool could be preparing for another major transfer battle as they assess their options at right-back ahead of the upcoming transfer windows.
According to reports, Benfica youngster Daniel Banjaqui is attracting serious interest from several European giants, with Liverpool among the clubs tipped to pursue his signature.
The Portuguese defender reportedly has a £38 million release clause, a figure that could prove tempting for clubs looking to secure one of Europe’s most promising young defensive talents.
🔥 WHY LIVERPOOL ARE LOOKING AT BANJAQUI
Liverpool’s right-back situation has become a talking point following Jeremie Frimpong’s recent struggles with fitness and selection, while Barcelona loanee Ronald Araujo has impressed during his short spell at Anfield.
However, Liverpool journalist David Lynch believes a permanent deal for Araujo is unlikely, leaving the Reds potentially searching for another option.
Other names reportedly under consideration include Barcelona’s Jules Koundé and Chelsea’s Malo Gusto, but Banjaqui could offer Liverpool a younger alternative with significant room for development.
Chelsea are also reportedly monitoring the teenager after another injury setback involving captain Reece James. Arsenal and Bayern Munich have likewise been linked with an interest in the Benfica star.
💥 ‘HE’S AN ACTUAL RIGHT-BACK’ — LIVERPOOL TARGET EARNS HUGE PRAISE
Speaking on the Anfield Index’s Transfer Market Metrics podcast, Dave Davis and Dr Phil Barter discussed why Banjaqui could be an excellent fit for Liverpool.
Barter highlighted the teenager’s physical attributes and natural suitability for the position.
“He’s an actual right-back. If you watch his footage as well, he’s tall, athletic.”
Davis was equally impressed, describing the youngster as an “absolute unit” while praising his pace and ability on the ball.
For Liverpool, those qualities could be particularly valuable. The modern full-back must be capable of defending one-on-one, recovering quickly when caught out of position and contributing to attacks.
According to Barter, Banjaqui already demonstrates several of those important defensive qualities.
“He can already defend, right? You haven’t got to teach your kid how to defend. He can do that.”
👀 HIS DEFENSIVE QUALITIES COULD IMPRESS IRAOLA
Barter also pointed to Banjaqui’s performances against strong opposition, including Benfica’s September meeting with AC Milan and his appearance for Portugal’s Under-21 side against the Czech Republic.
He praised the defender’s positioning, one-on-one defending and ability to help his team move forward.
His recovery pace could also be a major advantage in Liverpool’s system, particularly when the full-backs push high up the pitch.
At just 18, Banjaqui would still have plenty to learn, but Liverpool could view him as a player capable of developing into a first-team regular over the coming years.
💰 COULD £38M BE A BARGAIN FOR LIVERPOOL?
Davis believes the reported fee could represent excellent value if Banjaqui fulfils his potential.
“£40 million for someone who could be a starter for years to come. For £40 million that could be a great deal. Really good deal.”
A move would not necessarily mean an immediate starting role, but it could give Liverpool another long-term option while adding competition and depth at right-back.
For now, Liverpool’s reported interest should be treated as speculation rather than confirmation of an imminent transfer. No completed deal has been announced.
Liverpool fans, would you spend £38 MILLION on Daniel Banjaqui? 👀🔴
Should Andoni Iraola make the Benfica wonderkid his priority to solve Liverpool’s right-back problem, or should the Reds go for an established Premier League defender instead?
DROP YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS! 👇🔴
