Hansi Flick and Barcelona ‘to target’ Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis after Julián Álvarez setback | OneFootball

Hansi Flick wants a new striker at Barcelona and Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis has emerged as an option with a move for Julián Álvarez looking unlikely.

According to Cadena SER’s Què T’hi Jugues, the Greece international is among the alternatives being studied after other forward targets became complicated. Barcelona’s priority had been Álvarez, but Atlético de Madrid are not willing to negotiate. Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi has also been linked, though that appears unlikely for now.

That backdrop has pushed Pavlidis higher up the list. Benfica, however, do not plan to lose their number 14 and regard him as central to Marco Silva’s plans.

Despite the arrival of Jhon Durán, the intention is to resolve Franjo Ivanovic’s situation while keeping the Greek as the focal point in attack.

Signed from AZ Alkmaar in summer 2024, Pavlidis quickly established himself as a guaranteed starter at the Estádio da Luz. Across the past two seasons he has registered 60 goals and 18 assists, attracting growing interest from across Europe.

Source: Glorioso 1904