Brighton linked with Benfica teenager Daniel Banjaqui

Portugal and Guinea-Bissau defender Daniel Banjaqui has been linked with a move from Benfica to Brighton in the Premier League.

The 18-year-old right-back is valued at €10m and has a contract with Benfica until 30 June 2031. No transfer fee or probability of the move has been disclosed.

Banjaqui has made six senior appearances for Benfica during the 2026-27 season, featuring in Liga Portugal 2, Liga Portugal and the Europa League. He has started all three of his Liga Portugal 2 matches and has also appeared once in European competition.

The defender moved into Benfica’s first-team setup from Benfica B in July 2026, having developed through the club’s academy since joining from Real Formacao in 2018. He previously represented Benfica’s Under-17 side before progressing to the B team.

Banjaqui was part of the Portugal Under-17 team that won both the Under-17 World Cup and the European Under-17 Championship in 2025. He also won the Torneio Internacional Algarve Under-17 competition that year.

Brighton’s reported interest comes as Banjaqui begins his first campaign as part of Benfica’s senior squad, where he wears the number 58 shirt and has featured primarily at right-back. His long-term contract means Benfica remain in a strong position should discussions over a possible move develop.