“Leicester City’s Jaw-Dropping Joao Rego Transfer Bombshell: The Genius Move That Fixes EVERYTHING in ONE Swoop!”
Benfica starlet Joao Rego emerges as Leicester loan target amid Bilal El Khannouss exit links
Leicester City could soon add a versatile attacking option to their squad, with Benfica youngster Joao Rego emerging as a loan target.
The 20-year-old Portuguese youth international is primarily known as an attacking midfielder, yet Benfica boss Bruno Lage has also highlighted his potential as a striker.
That dual capability makes him an intriguing prospect for Leicester, who are actively reshaping their forward line this summer.
With Bilal El Khannouss heavily tipped to leave the King Power Stadium—most likely for Crystal Palace, where he would replace Arsenal-bound Eberechi Eze—the Foxes are in the market for a creative midfielder.
At the same time, the club still need a long-term successor for Jamie Vardy, who departed at the end of his contract. Rego’s adaptability could address both concerns.
Last season, Rego featured 13 times for Benfica’s senior side but has not yet played this term, increasing the likelihood of a loan spell to secure regular minutes. Leicester see him as a player capable of ticking several boxes.
Speaking at the Club World Cup in the summer, Lage praised Rego’s versatility:
“He positions himself like a forward and has one quality I particularly admire—his finishing, both with his feet and with his head.
He’s excellent in the air and that makes him very useful.”
Rego’s skill set, however, extends far beyond goalscoring. Luis Castro, one of his youth coaches at Benfica, described him earlier this year as a rare talent:
“He has outstanding technical ability and decision-making, often anticipating situations before they unfold.
While he can play across the attack, I believe he will excel as a second striker, where his intelligence and use of space stand out.
He should not be compared to others—one day, younger players will be compared to Joao.”
Marcio Mestre, his first coach in Ourique, echoed that sentiment, drawing comparisons to Joao Felix:
“Rego is not explosive in terms of sprinting speed. His quickness lies in his mind and execution.
He has a strong shot and could thrive in roles similar to Felix. What sets him apart is his humility, his teamwork, and the solid support from his family.”
Should Leicester finalise the deal, Rego could provide both creativity in midfield and a fresh option up front, offering the club a valuable two-in-one solution ahead of a pivotal season.
