Manchester City have entered the race to sign a young Portuguese defender for the right-back position. However, the list of suitors is a lengthy one as the summer transfer window approaches.
Keen to bring in a new right-back ahead of the 2026–27 season, Manchester City want to break the “world record” for a Premier League defender. The Citizens are prepared to spend a significant sum on Tino Livramento, the English right-back at Newcastle United.
Alongside that target, Manchester City have also registered interest in a less expensive alternative – one who has already attracted attention from several of Europe's leading clubs.
According to information reported by Team Talk, the club managed by Pep Guardiola are interested in signing Daniel Banjaqui, the young right-back at Benfica Lisbon. The 17-year-old is under contract with the Portuguese club until June 2027 and is currently valued at around £850,000. Manchester City have identified him as a potentially shrewd piece of business – a player who has already made his senior debut for Benfica Lisbon under Jose Mourinho, making three appearances to date, including two league matches in 2025–26.
Man City among clubs leading chase for Daniel Banjaqui
Called up twice during the Champions League league phase – against Juventus and Real Madrid – the Lisbon-born defender has already caught the eye of a significant portion of Europe. Across the Pyrenees, Barcelona are also monitoring Banjaqui's situation; he has been one of Benfica Lisbon's key figures in the Youth League, with six starts. Bayern Munich have likewise made their interest known, though it is in the Premier League that the Portuguese youngster appears to attract the most attention.
Beyond Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are all said to be following the situation. Meanwhile, the Portuguese club's hierarchy are eager to retain him on a long-term basis. To that end, Benfica Lisbon must act swiftly to secure a new contract, with the player set to reach the age of majority on 24 March.
This article was originally published on Topmercato.
