There’s something going on in Portugal which is leading to the details of failed transfers being leaked. Many nearly-transfers have been dissected since deadline day, and it’s now time to say what happened between Sunderland and Andreas Samaris.
The first knock to the deal came when Sunderland insisted on asking for a loan with a buying option. Benfica didn’t like that and turned down the offer.
Closer to the deadline, the Premier League club made another attempt, this time offering “much less” than the €20m. It was obviously refused.
Samaris has now renewed his contract with Benfica until 2021, but it doesn’t mean that Sunderland’s chances to sign him are over.
A Bola insists the Black Cats could still be interested and make another attempt during the summer. But it would depend on the club’s success in avoiding relegation this season.
