Tottenham and Aston Villa have been linked with Vangelis Pavlidis in recent weeks. However, a fresh report from Portugal now provides a clearer indication of the sort of fee Benfica may be willing to discuss this summer.
The Greek striker remains one of the most valuable assets in Lisbon after another productive campaign.
Pavlidis finished the season with 30 goals and five assists in all competitions. This remarkable achievement takes his overall Benfica tally to 60 goals in 110 appearances since arriving from AZ Alkmaar.
While speculation around his future has continued to grow, as we covered last month, we now have the first indication of Benfica’s actual position.
Price tag is set
According to A Bola, Benfica would want at least €40m (£34m) before considering a sale of the 27-year-old. Meanwhile, that figure is well below his €100m (£85m) release clause. Yet it still represents a substantial profit on the €18m (£15.3m) they paid to sign him.
The report suggests Benfica are aware of the interest building around Pavlidis and believe competition for his signature could help drive up the final fee.
The same report claims Besiktas have now entered the picture. They are preparing an offer worth €20m (£17m) plus bonuses.
That figure is said to fall some distance short of Benfica’s expectations, making it difficult to see a deal progressing quickly if the Portuguese side’s valuation is accurate.
Still, Besiktas’ emergence is another sign that interest in Pavlidis is spreading across Europe. Up to now, most of the attention had centred on England and Italy. As a result, Tottenham, Aston Villa, AC Milan and Roma have all been credited with interest.
Clubs’ will is being tested
For Tottenham and Villa, the reported €40m valuation is arguably the most important detail to emerge.
Whether either Premier League club is willing to test Benfica’s stance remains to be seen.
However, if the Portuguese side are genuinely prepared to negotiate around the €40m mark, interested clubs now have a much clearer idea of what it may take to bring Pavlidis to England.
