Santos Futebol Clube is close to finalizing the signing of Daniela Areia Santos, a 22-year-old central defender, national team player, who was on loan from Benfica to Valadares Gaia this season. The player, from the island of Pico, has left Benfica and may join the II Division champion, which is now preparing for its debut in the Liga BPI. In 2025/26, Daniela accumulated consistent minutes in the Liga BPI while serving Valadares Gaia, solidifying herself as a reliable option in the defensive axis and confirming the potential that earned her a call-up to the National Team A. The central was one of the starters in Francisco Neto's choices for the start of the qualification for the 2027 World Cup, a significant step in a career that had its first professional contract and launchpad at Benfica. Today, the navigators enter the field to face Finland in a game counting for the qualification for the 2027 World Cup. Nádia Bravo and Daniela Areia Santos are living the dream and left a message for all young players who one day want to represent the National Team. The imminent change to Santos Futebol Clube comes at a crucial moment: after completing the cycle at Benfica, Daniela seeks a project where she can be a reference in a growing team with a strong ambition to quickly assert itself in the elite. For the club, which arrives at the Liga BPI after winning the II Division and building a solid competitive base, the arrival of a Portuguese international fits the need to elevate experience and defensive quality. In addition to Daniela Areia Santos, the midfielder Letícia Almeida, also in the final year of her contract with Benfica, is another well-positioned name to reinforce Santos Futebol Clube. The possibility of a duo of ex-Benfica players joining the Dragons gains strength and could give the Portistas a package of reinforcements with knowledge of the highest level of competitive national football.