Benfica’s bid to sign Algerian forward Mohamed Amoura could reach its conclusion tonight, with the club’s Champions League fate set to play a decisive role in finalising the transfer.
The Lisbon side face Fenerbahçe in the second leg of their play-off tie at the Estádio da Luz, with the tie finely balanced after a goalless first leg.
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 local time, and qualification to the group stage could provide Benfica with the crucial financial boost required to complete the deal.
Transfer Hinged on Champions League Revenue
Reaching the Champions League group phase is expected to generate significant additional income for the Portuguese club, with much of it likely to be directed towards the transfer market.
According to reports, Benfica’s board are waiting for confirmation of their progress in Europe’s premier competition before closing negotiations for Amoura.
The transfer fee demanded by German side VfL Wolfsburg is believed to be between €35m and €40m. Benfica, already having identified Amoura as a priority signing, are prepared to make a substantial financial effort to secure his services. However, the club’s final push depends on the immediate outcome of tonight’s match.
A Major Target for Benfica
For weeks, Amoura has been at the top of Benfica’s shortlist, with club officials convinced that his pace, creativity, and eye for goal can add a new dimension to their attack.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest that the Eagles are determined to bring the 24-year-old to Lisbon before the close of the transfer window.
Benfica’s strategy is clear: qualification for the Champions League would unlock the last few million needed to meet Wolfsburg’s asking price.
Without it, the transfer could stall or be delayed until further sales or financial adjustments are made.
The Player’s Perspective
For Amoura himself, the move represents more than just a transfer. The opportunity to compete in the Champions League, widely regarded as the pinnacle of European club football, is an attractive prospect for any player.
Born in Jijel, Algeria, Amoura has impressed in Germany, where his technical ability and attacking threat have not gone unnoticed. Yet the lure of featuring on Europe’s biggest stage, in front of Benfica’s passionate support, could prove decisive in persuading him to make the switch.
Should the deal go through, Amoura would join a long line of North African players to have represented Benfica, continuing the club’s tradition of recruiting top talent from the region.
Sellers and Buyers Aligned
The situation, at its core, is straightforward: Wolfsburg are willing to sell, Benfica are eager to buy, and Amoura is open to the move. What remains is the timing, dictated by Benfica’s result against Fenerbahçe.
Victory tonight would not only secure Benfica’s participation in the group stage but also pave the way for one of the most significant transfers of their summer. Defeat, however, could complicate the financial calculations and potentially force the Portuguese club to reconsider their position.
A Race Against Time
With the transfer window closing soon, urgency surrounds the negotiations. Benfica are expected to act swiftly should they qualify, finalising terms with Wolfsburg and presenting Amoura as a marquee signing for their European campaign.
For now, the outcome remains tied to 90 minutes of football in Lisbon. A win against José Mourinho’s side would give Benfica both sporting and financial momentum — and may ultimately deliver Mohamed Amoura to the Estádio da Luz.
