Evangelos Marinakis complicates Benfica’s winter window as André Luiz joins Olympiacos | OneFootball

Evangelos Marinakis became a central figure of the winter window in Portugal, with his stance complicating Benfica’s pursuit of André Luiz, who ultimately signed for Olympiacos.

Record writes that Marinakis disliked how the talks were handled, which left Benfica’s move for the Brazilian winger adrift.

The Greek magnate is said to have felt betrayed by Benfica’s attempt to accelerate the process. He was advised that the player could gain significant value at Benfica, which would leave Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos, who had signed Clayton, in a difficult position.

The Rio Ave owner then intervened directly, informing Rui Costa that negotiations were over and that only the release clause would be accepted. The clause was set at 20 million euros.

Benfica submitted an offer close to 12 million euros for a player valued at only four million, then stepped away. André Luiz moved to the Greek champions for 6.75 million euros, around half of what Benfica were prepared to pay.

Source: Glorioso 1904