Maniche believes Benfica have no credible alternative to Pavlidis | OneFootball

Besiktas’ interest in Vangelis Pavlidis is unlikely to develop into concrete negotiations. Benfica have reportedly set the Greek striker’s price at €50 million, a demand that, in practice, rules out any possibility of an agreement with the Turkish club. This view is shared by Maniche, who believes the high financial bar reflects Benfica’s intention to keep the player in the squad.

“When Benfica ask for €50 million, it’s the same as saying they don’t want to sell, because Besiktas will never buy him. Then, they don’t have a credible alternative to replace that player right now. It’s a risk. Because Benfica have that test ahead and want to go as far as possible in this competition (Europa League), and they need to have the best players. This player is the real deal and has had fantastic seasons,” he added.

Nuno Farinha also expressed doubts about the viability of a transfer to Besiktas, but admitted that the market could bring new developments if a financially irresistible offer emerges.

The pundit believes Pavlidis fits perfectly into the style of play Marco Silva wants to implement at Benfica and that, for that reason, his staying would be the most logical scenario for the coaching staff: “Pavlidis makes perfect sense leading the attack in Marco Silva’s style of play. But we know that while the window is open, there can always be that draft and a financial offer that shakes things up,” he said.

Nuno Farinha also recalled that Benfica’s financial and sporting situation could influence future decisions, since the club are still looking to secure a place in next season’s European competitions: “Rui Costa said Benfica will invest in the market, but he knows they are not in the Champions League and still do not have a guaranteed place in the Europa League. A financial offer could lead to other kinds of decisions,” he concluded.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.