Marco Silva impressed as Vangelis Pavlidis remains central to Benfica plans amid Besiktas interest | OneFootball

Marco Silva has been impressed by Vangelis Pavlidis and views the striker as central to his Benfica plans for the new season.

Pavlidis finished each of the last two campaigns as Benfica’s leading scorer with 30 goals, then opened this pre-season with a brace in a 5-2 win over Estrela da Amadora in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Seixal. According to Glorioso 1904, Besiktas of Türkiye prepared an offer of around 40 million euros, a significant sum that could help balance the books before the window closes.

Benfica are not considering a sale, with the hierarchy led by Rui Costa viewing Pavlidis as central to the sporting project and not intending to negotiate.

Silva rates more than his finishing. He values the 27-year-old’s tactical intelligence, competitive experience and reading of the game, qualities he considers hard to replicate within the current squad.

With pre-season under way, Benfica now turn to preparing their Europa League second qualifying round tie against St. Gallen. Pavlidis is expected to remain a pivotal figure in domestic competitions and in Europe.

Source: Glorioso 1904