Vangelis Pavlidis is open to joining Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur or another English club to fulfil his dream of playing in the Premier League as long as Benfica gives the green light for his sale.
The striker has enjoyed a good run since joining the Eagles from AZ Alkmaar for around €18m in July 2024.
His impressive run for Benfica has caught the attention of several clubs, including Aston Villa and Tottenham.
Silva blocked summer exit
Last season, the Greek starred for Benfica, scoring 30 goals and contributing six assists from 53 matches. This didn’t go unnoticed as Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur showed keen interest.
In the summer, Sport Witness covered a report from Portugal explaining that Benfica set a €40m price amid the Premier League duo’s interest. This price was well below his €100m release clause. A move didn’t go through mainly because of the Portuguese club’s coach.
José Mourinho left the club for Real Madrid, and the Eagles appointed Marco Silva as his successor. Saturday’s edition of A Bola reports that during the negotiations, the former Fulham boss made it a priority to retain Vangelis Pavlidis.
Aston Villa, Tottenham, Barcelona, AC Milan, AS Roma, Juventus and Fenerbahçe had all made approaches in the summer. Beşiktaş made a strong push to sign him.
Benfica were calm mainly because of his €100m clause and also didn’t want to sell him to please Silva. That doesn’t mean a move won’t take place in the future.
A Bola states: ‘The Greek international has also always maintained a consistent and professional attitude on the subject, admitting that he dreams of a bigger step, preferring English football as his career dream, but always clarifying that he would never leave without Benfica’s agreement, in a deal that proved good for both parties.’
This gives Aston Villa and Tottenham an edge over aforementioned suitors. The English clubs can help him fulfil his Premier League dream.
Tottenham over Aston Villa
Unai Emery has summer signing Nicolas Jackson, Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo as the three strikers at Villa Park. He’s likely to rotate between the trio and the Villans may no longer consider signing a new striker in the upcoming windows.
That may not be the case with Spurs. Dominic Solanke, Omar Marmoush and Richarlison are the three strikers, with the latter not part of Roberto De Zerbi’s plans. If the Brazilian were to leave in January, Vangelis Pavlidis can take his place at the north London club.
Tottenham Hotspur’s scout was in attendance during FC Porto’s 3-1 win over Benfica last month. Vangelis Pavlidis, who has 14 goals and three assists this season, didn’t find the back of the net against the Dragons.
