When Everton and West Ham started being linked to Raul Jimenez and the Portuguese press said Benfica were demanding €50m for him, we thought this deal would never happen.
But some interesting developments have been happening since then, and the transfer could be likelier, all down to a quickly falling price.
First, Portuguese newspaper Record said Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira had reduced the price to €40m. That’s when West Ham were dragged into the race more, alongside Everton.
But despite the discount, it still seems a lot for a bench player, and one who isn’t exactly spectacular when he comes off it. Earlier this week we pointed out a drop to €30m could make things different, especially with Ronald Koeman making it clear he wants another striker.
Now Record claim Gabigol has chosen to move to Benfica instead of their rivals Sporting, and for the transfer to happen, Jimenez must go first.
It would be a great deal for the Eagles to beat their arch rivals in the race, even for a loan deal, so it’s likely they will make some effort.
Jimenez and his wages would need to be cleared to make room for Gabigol, and that could see the €40m slip further, and perhaps get to a point that Everton and West Ham claims are believable rather than fanciful.
Benfica paid €22m to take Jimenez from Atletico Madrid two seasons ago, and as he’s been sitting on the bench, it would be pretty reasonable to sell him for around that amount. The Portuguese club aren’t reasonable when it comes to transfer fees, so perhaps €25-30m is the best case scenario for interested clubs.
Maybe the hurry to get Gabigol could benefit Everton and West Ham.
