Benfica is preparing a final push to secure Antonio Vadillo as their new futsal coach. According to sources, the Portuguese club is finalizing an irresistible offer for the current Mallorca Palma Futsal coach. Aiming to persuade him in the coming days.
The Lisbon team is aware of the buyout clause for Vadillo, who is under contract until 2026, and is prepared to meet it. Vadillo’s name has been on the radar of Gonçalo Alves, manager of Benfica’s futsal section. Ever since the team’s elimination in the semifinals of the Placard League by Braga on June 4, which also ended their chances in the UEFA Futsal Champions League.
Mario Silva, who replaced Spanish coach José María Pazos, was unexpectedly dismissed in March 2023.
It is currently negotiating his contract termination, which runs until 2025. Benfica evaluated various market options and narrowed their choices down to two. Ultimately selecting Vadillo over Brazilian Paulo Ricardo Kaká, the coach of Kazakhstan’s national team.
Benfica has decided to rebuild their future with Vadillo and now needs to convince the Jerez-born coach to leave Mallorca Palma Futsal. Where he has spent 11 years—four as a player and seven as a coach, during which he won two UEFA Futsal Champions League titles and an Intercontinental Cup.
The Portuguese club has already initiated contact with Proneo Sports, Vadillo’s representation agency. Meanwhile, Mallorca Palma Futsal is aware of the rumors but has not received any official communication from Benfica or Vadillo. Who is diligently planning the next season with his current club.
The final decision rests with Vadillo. For Benfica, finances are not an obstacle as they are keen to end Sporting’s dominance, which recently achieved its fourth consecutive Placard League title. For Vadillo, moving to Benfica would be a significant challenge, balancing his loyalty to Mallorca Palma Futsal against the opportunity to lead one of the world’s top clubs. In Lisbon, he would reunite with former players like Brazilians Diego Nunes and Higor Ribeiro.
Mallorca Palma Futsal’s general director, José Tirado, remains hopeful that Vadillo will stay, as the club faces the difficulty of replacing such a pivotal figure at this stage of the summer.
