Benfica and Newcastle United are reportedly getting closer to an agreement for the transfer of Andreas Samaris.
According to nPortuguese ewspaper O Jogo today, the Eagles’ president Luis Filipe Vieira is now showing more ‘flexibility’ to sell the midfielder and the move seems more likely.
Newcastle made a €15m offer initially, which was rejected by Benfica. But now Vieira would accept that fee from Newcastle as an initial amount, and add some performance bonuses before closing the deal.
O Jogo claims Samaris loves Benfica, but wants to play more and sees the move as a new challenge. The newspaper’s headline makes clear the transfer is close by saying he’s ‘one step’ from leaving the club.
Benfica are having part of their preseason in England, and Vieira’s presence in the country is seen as something that could accelerate the process. He’s said to be in contact with Newcastle representatives and it’s now up to the Magpies to accept these add-ons.
Yesterday, we gave reasons why we expected Benfica to bend in these negotiations. It seems things are now happening that way.
