Benfica Loan André Gomes and Gustavo Varela for 2025/26 Season

Benfica have sent goalkeeper André Gomes to Alverca and forward Gustavo Varela to Gil Vicente on loan for the 2025/26 season. Both players are on one-year deals, and there is no option to buy.

WHAT HAPPENED?

André Gomes, 20, is leaving Benfica for Alverca, a team related to the Vinicius Group. He has been a backup goalie at Benfica, playing mainly for the B team. Gustavo Varela, a 22-year-old forward, joins the Primeira Liga team Gil Vicente for more first-team action. Both loans are for one year, with no buy options included. Benfica want to keep these young players for the future.

BENFICA AND PLAYER BACKGROUND

Last season, Benfica finished second in the Primeira Liga, narrowly losing the title race to Sporting CP.

André Gomes has mostly been a reserve but is seen as a promising young goalkeeper for Benfica. Gustavo Varela has been progressing in Benfica’s youth system and now gets a chance to prove himself in top-level Portuguese football. Gil Vicente finished 13th in the Primeira Liga last season and want to improve their attack to avoid relegation. Alverca is back in the Primeira Liga ans is strengthening their team for the upcoming season.

WHAT NEXT FOR BENFICA AND THE LOANEES?

Benfica will start the new season on July 31 with the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira against rivals Sporting CP. Their Champions League journey will begin in late August with the league phase draw. Gil Vicente aims to have a strong season, starting with their first league match. Alverca will rely on Gomes’ skills as they pursue the safety spots in the top division. Both loanees are expected to gain more playing time and return to Benfica next summer with important experience.