Benfica bring in Tunisia-USA striker Anisse Saidi from San Diego

Tunisia and United States centre-forward Anisse Saidi has joined Benfica from San Diego on loan, completing a move to the Portuguese club at the age of 18.

Saidi’s temporary switch was completed on 22 August 2026 and takes him from Major League Soccer to Liga Portugal. His agreement with Benfica runs until 30 June 2027, when he is scheduled to return to San Diego.

The 1.87m striker arrives in Portugal after gaining senior experience in the United States. He made six appearances in the USL Championship, scoring once, while also featuring three times in MLS and recording one assist. He played a further two matches in the Concacaf Champions Cup, as well as appearing in the USL Cup and MLS Next Pro.

Saidi spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Monterey Bay before returning to San Diego at the end of that spell. He had originally moved to San Diego from the Philadelphia Union Academy in January 2025 for €97,000.

His arrival gives Benfica another centre-forward option and adds a player who has already experienced senior football in both the USL Championship and MLS. Saidi’s early first-team exposure has come across several competitions, including domestic league, cup and continental matches.

The move also represents Saidi’s first transfer outside the United States. Benfica have taken him on loan for the 2026-27 season, with the arrangement formally ending on 30 June 2027.