---
title: "Brighton face Benfica and Porto battle for highly rated midfield target"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/brighton-bartosz-mazurek-transfer-benfica-porto/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Barnaby Lane"
section: "Brighton Transfer Rumours"
published: "2026-10-13T12:50:00Z"
modified: "2026-10-13T12:50:00Z"
---

# Brighton face Benfica and Porto battle for highly rated midfield target

[Brighton & Hove Albion](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/brighton-transfer-rumours/) have made an encouraging start to the season, with Fabian Hürzeler continuing to build a team capable of competing with the Premier League’s established sides.

Their progress has once again highlighted the importance of the club’s recruitment strategy, with Brighton regularly looking to identify talented players before their value rises.

The Seagulls could now be preparing to strengthen their midfield options, but they may have to beat two major European clubs to secure one of their reported targets.

With the January transfer window approaching, Brighton are keeping a close eye on a young midfielder who has impressed since moving to Austria.

## **Brighton Target Bartosz Mazurek**

[According to TEAMtalk](https://www.teamtalk.com/brighton/bartosz-mazurek-january-transfer-target-facing-benfica-porto-battle), Brighton have identified Bartosz Mazurek as a leading transfer target, although Benfica and Porto are also keen to sign the Polish youngster.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder joined Red Bull Salzburg from Jagiellonia Białystok last summer for around £5m and has quickly begun making an impression in Austria. His performances have included goals and assists, building on the reputation he established in Poland, where he notably scored a hat-trick against Fiorentina in the Conference League.

Brighton have reportedly tracked Mazurek for almost two seasons and believe his technical ability, physical attributes and versatility make him a strong fit for their recruitment model.

However, the competition for his signature is significant. Porto have monitored the midfielder for some time, with club president André Villas-Boas previously acknowledging the club’s interest. Benfica are also understood to remain keen after holding talks earlier this year.

Brighton’s reputation for developing young players could help their case, but they will need to convince Mazurek that the Premier League is the right next step in his career.

## **January Transfer Move Looks Unlikely**

A potential deal will not be straightforward, with Salzburg holding a contract with Mazurek until 2031. The Austrian club are therefore under little pressure to sell and are likely to demand a substantial fee if interest develops into a formal approach.

TEAMtalk reports that a January move is considered highly unlikely, with a transfer in the summer of 2027 viewed as a more realistic possibility.

That could leave Brighton facing a longer wait if they want to bring the teenager to the south coast. Benfica and Porto’s involvement also means the Seagulls cannot afford to assume they will have a clear run at the player.

For now, Mazurek is focused on continuing his development at Salzburg, while Brighton will be monitoring his progress closely. Their interest fits the club’s established approach of targeting emerging talent early, but whether they can turn that interest into a deal remains to be seen.