Barcelona has already begun looking ahead for a striker to fill in the place of Robert Lewandowski and they set their eyes on Portugal’s Liga Portugal for potential replacements.
The Catalan giants are tracking a list of goal-scoring forwards who have been producing top-class performances in search of signing a long-term solution up front.
Barcelona scouts are considering options who can fit seamlessly into their system.
Among the names being closely monitored has emerged as a prime target following his explosive start to the season.
The striker is European football’s most sought-after striker following his explosive start to life at Benfica, with some of the continent’s giants such as Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Chelsea, and Newcastle United supposedly ready to pen him.
According to record.pt, the player is Vangelis Pavlidis.
The 26-year-old, signed by Benfica on a pre-season contract from AZ Alkmaar, has been mesmerizing, scoring 24 goals and providing 10 assists in just 46 competitive appearances, including an astonishing 17 goals in 17 games this season.
His clinical finishing and playmaking talents have not gone unnoticed, and La Liga and Premier League titans are sniffing around as they look to inject some potency into their striking forces.
Benfica understands the interest is mounting and remains firm in its stance, using Pavlidis’s €100 million release clause as the only bargaining chip to release him from the Estádio da Luz.
Vangelis Pavlidis has a contract until 2029, and the Portuguese outfit has a formidable bargaining hand, while Pavlidis remains an anchor for the Greek national side as well.
Barcelona and Atlético Madrid are tracking him as they try to find long-term solutions at the front, while Chelsea and Newcastle, looking for a tested marksman, have now jumped into the running.
His physique, composure in front of a goal, and playmaking talent make him highly sought after, but any likely suitor must meet Benfica’s stratospheric valuation.
As the transfer rumors gather pace, Pavlidis’ performances in the next few months are what will make one of the European giants decide to exercise his clause, so this is one transfer story to watch out for in the next windows.
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