Vangelis Pavlidis Transfer: Tottenham and Barcelona Chase Benfica Striker

Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona are reportedly competing for Benfica forward Vangelis Pavlidis as the January window nears.

Spurs Make Striker a Winter Priority

Journalist Mark Brus says on The Daily Briefing that signing a centre-forward is now a top concern at Tottenham, with Pavlidis high on their shortlist. The club have followed the 27-year-old closely since assessing him in the summer and are weighing up a formal approach.

The obstacle is his reported €100m release clause. Triggering it would mean another huge outlay following their heavy summer spending.

Why Tottenham Need a Goalscorer

Spurs have started the season poorly, reportedly sitting bottom of the Premier League with two points from five games and failing to score in their first four league matches. Dominic Solanke is the only out-and-out number nine in the squad, and the other options offer pace and versatility rather than penalty-box instincts.

Barcelona Monitoring the Greek Forward

Pavlidis has racked up 17 goal contributions this term, establishing himself among Europe’s most dangerous forwards. Barcelona are said to be watching his situation as they search for a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski.

The Catalans would have to decide whether such a fee is justified for an established player who is no longer a young prospect.

Premier League Appeal Could Be Key

Reports suggest Pavlidis would be open to a Premier League move if he leaves Benfica, which could give Spurs an edge.

Our view: Barcelona’s finances make a €100m bid for a 27-year-old hard to picture, so Tottenham look the more realistic suitor. Even so, paying a full release clause for a striker in his late twenties is a gamble, and with Benfica holding most of the leverage, a deal could easily slip to the summer.