Benfica becomes striker linked with Barcelona

Benfica becomes striker who has been linked with Barcelona,

Why this is important

Benfica's decision to classify Vangelis Pavlidis as unavailable for sale shows the club's confidence in his abilities and his importance to the team. His impressive performance in the Europa League qualifiers has strengthened his position and could persuade the club to keep him long-term, especially given the upcoming challenges in the league and European competition.

Background

Vangelis Pavlidis established himself as a key player for Benfica last season. His ability to score goals makes him a valuable asset in the squad, which makes the club's decision not to sell him understandable.

Key findings

• Benfica becomes striker who has been linked with Barcelona.
• Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis has been classified by the club as not for sale.
• Benfica will only sell Barcelona-linked striker for an ‘irresistible offer’ – report.

FC Barcelona remain focused on signing a new striker before the transfer window closes, with Julian Alvarez still the club's preferred option. However, since Atletico Madrid refused to negotiate for Alvarez, FC Barcelona is forced to consider other alternatives. One of the options linked with Barcelona is Vangelis Pavlidis, Benfica's prolific Greek striker. However, according to Portuguese medium Record (via Mundo Deportivo), the Lisbon club now considers Pavlidis almost unsaleable and would only consider an "irresistible offer" for a transfer. The report states that Benfica currently have no intention of selling Pavlidis and had not received any official offers for the striker until the end of July. This represents a dramatic change compared to the situation at the end of last season. Pavlidis ended the 2025/26 season with an uncertain standing within the club, fearing that Benfica would sell him after the club failed to qualify for the Champions League. However, everything changed at the start of the current season. Pavlidis put in a sensational performance in the Europa League qualifying match against FC St. Gallen when he scored four goals and made a decisive contribution to his team qualifying for the Europa L with a 5-0 win in the revenge game eague was able to qualify. This performance immediately restored his status within the club. His teammates praised him after the game, while the fans welcomed him back as their leading striker. New Benfica coach Marco Silva, who replaced Jose Mourinho on the Benfica sidelines this summer, made it abundantly clear after this win that Pavlidis is not for sale to him. Silva described the Greek international as one of the few players Benfica were determined to keep, highlighting not only his finishing quality, but also his commitment and contribution to the team's style of play. For Silva, the Greek international is one of the foundations of his project and not for sale. FC Barcelona continue to explore several options for the striker, while Alvarez is still being pursued. However, Pavlidis remains among the players admired by FC Barcelona's sporting management. However, Benfica's current stance makes a potential transfer significantly more complicated. After Benfica signed Pavlidis from AZ Alkmaar for €18 million in 2024, the club now values ​​him much higher after he scored 30 goals in each of his first two seasons with the Portuguese. Unless Benfica receives an exceptional offer for Vangelis Pavlidis, the club seems determined to keep its star striker through the 2026/27 season ekeep.

What happens next

Benfica are unlikely to consider any offers for Pavlidis unless an irresistible offer is made. FC Barcelona will continue to look for alternatives as the summer transfer window progresses. Pavlidis' development could also attract the attention of other clubs in the transfer market, especially if he continues to perform at a high level.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Vangelis Pavlidis?

Vangelis Pavlidis is a Greek striker who currently plays for Benfica.

Which club does Vangelis Pavlidis come from?

Vangelis Pavlidis plays for Benfica.

Why doesn't Benfica want to sell Vangelis Pavlidis?

Benfica consider Pavlidis almost unsaleable and would only consider an 'irresistible offer' for a transfer.

When is an official decision on the sale of Pavlidis expected?

As of the end of July, no official offers have been received for Pavlidis and Benfica currently have no intention of selling him.

What role does Vangelis Pavlidis play in the Benfica team?

Pavlidis played a crucial role in the team, especially in the Europa League qualification, where he scored four goals.

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