Benfica made the necessary signings

Well today we got news that Eliseu has been signed to be the starting LB.  In addition it appears the deal is done for Argentin'as starting Keeper Romero.  Further, Guilavogui is set to be confirmed as well.  With these signings Benfica can have a starting 11 that is as strong as last seasons whether or not Enzo and Gaitan leave.  If Enzo and Gaitan leave then they will still have a strong starting 11 but a bench that is a step down from last year.  Lets look at the positions:

GK:
ROMERO
Artur
Paulo Lopes

LD:
ELISEU
Benito
(Andre Almeida)

CD:
LUISAO
LISANDRO LOPEZ
Cesar
Jardel
Steven Vitoria *

RD:
MAXI
Andre Almeida
Joao Cancelo

CM:
GUILAVOGUI
ENZO PEREZ
Ruben Amorim
Talisca
Andre Almeida
Joao Teixeira
Fejsa (out until January)

WINGERS:
GAITAN
SALVIO
Ola John
Sulejmani
Pizzi
Candeias
(Nelson Oliveira can play winger if needed)
(Victor Andrade)

FORWARDS:
LIMA
DERLEY
Nelson Oliveira
Cardozo

I expect Luis Felipe and Djavan to be loaned out.  Ivan Cavaleiro will also probably be loaned out. Farina is uncertain.  The "B" team players Bernardo Sousa, Ruben Pinto, etc simply do not have the quality to be on the "A" team.  I don't think Franco Jara will make the cut.  I expect the team to add one more forward before the offseason is wrapped up.  As such the starting 11 will look like this:

ROMERO;

Maxi, Lisandro Lopez, Luisao, Eliseu;

Guilavogui, Enzo/Ruben Amorim/Talisca;

Gaitan/Ola John, Salvio;

Lima, Derley

That is a powerhouse team that still has a lot of talent on the bench.  In January the team gets an immediate boost with the return of Fejsa.  If there are any weaknesses on the team between now and then that become evident, the club will sign someone to fix that problem.  My contacts with lawyer David Dasilva indicate there may be big signings coming. This is a very strong lineup that can withstand an injury or two and a suspension or two and still be strong enough to do battle with anyone.