Meet Mauro Furtado, the 17-year-old World champion Leeds United want to sign

Leeds United are said to be interested in 17-year-old defender Mauro Furtado.

The Portuguese starlet is currently playing for Benfica, but has yet to make a senior first-team appearance.

The Whites are looking to add to their centre-back ranks, but based on his inexperience, Furtado would likely be one for the future instead.

When it comes to the here and now, MOT Leeds News understands that Tarik Muharemovic's announcement is imminent.

Nonetheless, a potential coup for a highly-rated younger defender should still bring plenty of excitement.

And here is what you need to know about Furtado as Leeds are reported to be in the race for his transfer.

What makes Mauro Furtado special amid Leeds United interest?

There are not many players in football who can claim to have the achievements at 17 years old like Furtado does.

The Benfica youth star won the under-17 World Cup with Portugal in 2025, but more impressively, as per FIFA, Furtado was named man of the match in that final.

He proved decisive in a key match for his country, and players with those types of mentalities will certainly be welcome at Elland Road.

Now, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Leeds are one of the teams tracking the centre-back.

They share that the Whites are joined by Marseille and Sassuolo as they pursue the teenager.

The battle for Furtado's signature is said to be close, and interest from all three could increase his market value.

Furtado is in his final year of contract at Benfica, which could certainly open the door to a transfer.

What type of defender is Furtado?

When it comes to the qualities that Furtado possesses, he has been described as a modern-day defender.

The centre-back is both physically strong and said to boast good technical attributes as well.

Those are traits that Daniel Farke does like to have in his centre-backs, like Joe Rodon, and make the interest make plenty of sense.

Additionally, Furtado does appear to be quite a goal threat from the back as well. In 23 appearances for Portugal's under-17s, the centre-back has scored three goals.

The Whites would certainly be signing a top prospect, and now it will be a case of waiting to see if a move can be agreed.

Either way, he may not be one for Leeds in the immediate future, but he looks to be on course for a top career in the senior game.