Andreas Samaris was linked with Newcastle United throughout the January transfer window.
The Benfica player’s contract expires at the end of June, and Newcastle were trying to get a cut price deal. Unfortunately for Rafael Benitez’s transfer hopes, the offer from the Magpies wasn’t enough to seriously tempt either Samaris or his club.
According to reports at the time, Newcastle made a ‘symbolic’ offer of €300k to take the Greek international, and that amount didn’t seem worth it for the Lisbon club.
That, quite obviously, wasn’t attractive for the player. The thought of moving to England and then potentially finding himself without a club, didn’t really appeal.
A renewal was suggested, and Samaris stayed. He’s certainly had playing time, but there’s been no renewal yet and therefore an exit is increasingly likely, and this time on a free transfer.
Newcastle had an official at Benfica’s 5-1 victory over Portimonense on Saturday, report Record. It’s quite possible there’s an effort being planned to revive the January deal.
Samaris started the match but wasn’t one of Benfica’s better performers.
Newcastle were joined by other clubs including Manchester United, Rayo Vallecano, and Standard Liege.
