Dodi Lukebakio has impressed Benfica manager Marco Silva after scoring two goals and providing an assist in four UEFA Nations League appearances for Belgium.
The Belgian winger produced a series of strong performances during the international break, finding the net against both Italy and France while setting up another goal against Turkey. Correio da Manhã understands that Silva is extremely pleased with the 27-year-old's form, having maintained complete faith in his ability during a period when his long-term future at the Estádio da Luz appeared uncertain.
Speaking prior to a recent match against AC Milan in which Lukebakio scored a memorable goal, Silva stated that it was time for the winger to show why he was part of the squad. The Benfica coach added that the club trusted Lukebakio and noted that he had worked diligently since the closing of the transfer window to earn his opportunity.
Lukebakio is now pushing for a more regular starting spot in Lisbon, having largely served as a substitute while Portuguese attacker Rafa has been Silva's preferred choice on the right side of the attack. However, with fixture congestion mounting across domestic and European competitions, Silva plans to rotate his squad, which is expected to give the Belgian more opportunities to feature from the start.
So far this season, Lukebakio has made 10 appearances for Benfica in all competitions, but only two of those have come as a starter, against Heart of Midlothian in European qualifying and against AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League. In total, he has recorded two goals and one assist for the club.
His resurgence has also attracted attention from abroad, with Turkish club Besiktas monitoring his situation and expressing interest in securing the winger's signature.
Premier League interest in Tomás Araújo
In addition to Lukebakio's rise in form, Benfica are facing mounting transfer interest in central defender Tomás Araújo. Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United have placed the Portuguese international on their defensive shortlist for future transfer windows, according to reports in the English media.
Scouts from both Chelsea and Manchester United have conducted multiple live scouting missions to monitor the 24-year-old defender during recent matches. German champions Bayern Munich have also previously been linked with a move for Araújo, though no official contacts or direct negotiations have taken place between any interested club and Benfica at this stage.
Araújo remains under contract with the Lisbon club until 2031, a long-term deal that includes an 80 million euro release clause. Silva considers the center-back an essential component of his tactical setup and views him as indispensable to Benfica's squad stability.
Araújo has emerged as a cornerstone of Benfica's defense, earning call-ups to the senior Portugal national team through consistent domestic and European displays. Both Chelsea and Manchester United are actively seeking long-term additions to their central defensive ranks, with the English clubs keeping close tabs on the young defender's progress in Portugal.
