Chelsea and mid-season injuries have been an unwanted classic that the football community has seen in recent years. The Blues have faced such disarray in crucial junctures of the season, and the ongoing 2026-27 season seems to be one of those. The season is just a few weeks into action, but the West London club has lost its captain, Reece James, for three months already.
James’ injury woes continue, with a minor knee injury in these prime years of his career. Besides losing its captain, Chelsea have also lost their starting right-back, which depletes their already struggling defense. The Blues are now finding ways to restore their defensive depth as they look for options in the winter transfer window.
This search for a primary right-back option has taken the Blues to the Primeira Liga. According to TeamTalk, the club is very interested in signing 18-year-old Benfica right-back Daniel Banjaqui. Despite his age, Banjaqui has already played in the Primeira Liga and the Europa League. Besides, Banjaqui has also been a consistent member of Benfica’s team in the second division of the Primeira Liga, as per Transfermarkt.
Honed with explosive pace, Banjaqui is touted as one of the prime examples of modern-day attacking full-backs. The 18-year-old is feisty and often relies on his pace and man-marking capabilities to lock up defenders. With this talent at such a young age, Banjaqui is projected to have a high ceiling in the future.
Moreover, the Portuguese defender is a great fit for Chelsea in the current situation, considering James’ consistent struggles and the team’s depth in the defensive setup. Under Alonso’s system, which largely employs inverted wingbacks, Banjaqui can seamlessly delve into a player who can transition smoothly from the defensive blocks into the midfield as well. Given his pace and athleticism, Banjaqui can also overlap with the wingers to form an offensive threat in the final third.
These elements are picture-perfect for a collaboration between the Benfica player and Chelsea. The Premier League side does have Malo Gusto in their squad, but the confusion regarding his decision to stay or depart from the club makes the Banjaqui move even more aspiring for the Blues.
Banjaqui has a reported starting release clause of 38M pounds, which the Blues can activate as the winter transfer window tips off. However, other Premier League clubs like Manchester United and Newcastle United, along with Spanish giants like FC Barcelona, are also interested in the player, as per the BBC.
Benfica isn’t keen on giving away the player in a mid-season transfer as well. Chelsea, however, will have the greater say in the decision-making and will be able to send in an official proposal for the player if the Blues look to trigger the contract. For now, there haven’t been any supposed talks between the clubs, but with the winter transfer window a couple of months away, all eyes will be on this rumoured move, especially considering Chelsea’s search for a right-back and a prospect.
