Barcelona have renewed their interest in Benfica right-back Daniel Banjaqui, with the 18-year-old emerging as a potential long-term defensive target ahead of next summer’s transfer window.
According to SPORT, the Catalan club has returned to monitoring the Portuguese youngster after tracking his breakthrough at Benfica last season.
As expected, though, the pursuit will not fall short of any competition, with Newcastle United and Manchester United also gathering information on the defender.
Notably, Barcelona’s interest does not necessarily signal an imminent bid.
This is because Benfica have secured Banjaqui’s future until 2031 with an €80 million release clause, while the club’s asking price and Hansi Flick’s existing defensive options could complicate any move.
Benfica set high valuation for Barcelona target Daniel Banjaqui
Barcelona were already interested in Banjaqui during his emergence at Benfica, but the Portuguese club moved to protect one of their promising young players with a long-term contract and a substantial release clause.
Daniel Banjaqui is back on Barcelona’s radar. (Picture credit: Instagram/@_dbanjaqui_)
At this moment, there are reports stating that Benfica could be willing to negotiate from around €35 million to €40 million.
That figure could rise towards €50 million depending on Banjaqui’s performances throughout the season, although his limited first-team experience remains a factor in his current valuation.
The 18-year-old has made six appearances for Benfica’s senior team, accumulating 416 minutes.
While those opportunities have helped the 18-year-old establish himself at the highest level, he still has considerable room to develop before commanding the kind of fee Benfica could eventually seek.
At the same time, Barcelona are not the only club keeping tabs on his progress. Newcastle and Manchester United are also assessing the right-back’s situation ahead of a potential summer move.
Eric Garcia and Kounde complicate Barcelona’s plans
Daniel Banjaqui is also wanted by Newcastle United and Manchester United. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Despite renewing their interest, Barcelona must weigh the potential benefits of signing Banjaqui against the options already available to Flick.
As such, Eric Garcia’s growing importance and Jules Kounde’s presence at right-back give the manager alternatives in the position.
Flick is said to be satisfied with Garcia’s development and believes Kounde can rediscover his best form and compete for the starting role despite the fact that he is attracting interest from the Premier League.
That situation makes a major investment in another right-back less urgent.
Barcelona may see Banjaqui as a player with significant long-term potential, but committing €35 million to €40 million to a teenager with limited senior experience would represent a substantial decision.