United in hot pursuit of the “next Nuno Mendes”, situation has “sparked urgency” at Benfica – report

Under INEOS, Manchester United have been extremely keen to sign some of the most exciting talent available. The Red Devils are aiming to assemble a strong team, not just for the present, but for the future as well. Exciting talents such as Sekou Kone, Ayden Heaven, Chido Obi and Diego Leon have already been signed, while the likes of Christian Orozco are expected to follow. However, when Orozco finally makes the move to M16, he may not be the only exciting talent making the summer 2026 switch to United. He could be joined by another teenage prodigy, Benfica’s Daniel Banjaqui. Daniel Banjaqui linked Teamtalk report: “Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are among seven top Premier League clubs who are checking on highly-rated teenager Daniel Banjaqui, as interest intensifies in the Benfica starlet.” And it is not just Premier League clubs circling either, with two European heavyweights also firmly in the picture. The report goes on to reveal: “German giants Bayern Munich and Spanish powerhouse Barcelona have been leading the pursuit for several months and are understood to have already held discussions over a potential deal.” However, the two Champions League sides’ chances of sealing a deal have been dealt a major blow by the growing Premier League interest. Nuno Mendes 2.0 Banjaqui only made his Benfica debut last summer, yet he has since emerged as one of the finest Liga Portugal prospects around. Billed as a right-footed Nuno Mendes, the 17-year-old is making a name for himself as an offensive, technical full-back who frequently assists and contributes heavily to build-up play. Premier League clubs, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich alike must all feel that Mendes is the template for the next great right-back and that whoever lands Banjaqui will have their position covered for years to come. Contract extension issues With Banjaqui’s deal expiring in the summer of 2027 and contract extension talks yet to bear fruit, despite Benfica’s keenness to keep him, the Portuguese club may ultimately be forced to cash in. Winning a nine-way battle will be no easy feat, but INEOS should relish the tussle. Indeed, should they land him, United could even consider letting Diogo Dalot leave, with La Liga interest already registered. Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.