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.
As reported by today’s edition of A Bola, the Black Cats initially came very close to finding a deal with Benfica. The Portuguese club’s idea was to make over €20m from the transfer.
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.
