Vangelis Pavlidis now in the sights of Newcastle
Newcastle management to change direction and now turn its attention to Vangelis Pavlidis, the Greek international striker of SL Benfica.
Until a few days ago, Benfica's Greek international forward and top scorer last season (24/25) was under the "microscope" of Ruben Amorim and Manchester United. However, United's smart and rapid reaction to acquire, or rather to make a checkmate move, to the management of its competitor, Newcastle by acquiring the Slovenian international forward, Benjamin Sesko for 80 million euros. It forced the Newcastle management to change direction and now turn its attention to Vangelis Pavlidis, the Greek international striker.
Eddie Howe's team, after the disaster in the Benjamin Sesko case (he flew to Manchester on a private jet and will sign a 5-year contract) and will be placed under the instructions of Ruben Amorim, is turning its attention to alternative options to strengthen the attacking line.
Vangelis Pavlidis is one of the main options, especially against the backdrop of Newcastle's ongoing friction with the international Swedish forward Alexander Isak, who wishes to continue his career at the champion Liverpool.
The 26-year-old Greek forward from Benfica joined the Portuguese team a year ago by paying AZ Alkmaar the amount of 18 million euros (plus 2 million in bonuses).
Last season, Pavlidis scored 30 goals and provided 12 assists in 57 games, becoming the absolute reference point in the "eagles" attack.
In fact, according to the English newspaper The Sun, a Newcastle man traveled to Nice to watch Benfica's match against Nis for the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, in order to record Pavlidis' performance firsthand.
His clause is 100 million euros
Meanwhile, Benfica's management has set a release clause for Pavlidis, which amounts to 100 million euros, an amount that theoretically does not constitute an obstacle for Newcastle, which belongs to the PIF (Public Investment Fund) of Saudi Arabia, one of the richest investment groups in the world.
Benfica, however, seem determined to keep their top scorer, considering that he can develop into a leading figure in the new season's project.
For Pavlidis, a transfer to the Premier League and especially to a team like Newcastle that aims high, would be a huge step in his career. The Greek forward has already proven his worth in the Netherlands and Portugal and a presence in the world's top league will bring him to another level, especially in view of the next great challenges with the Greek National Team.

Manos Staramopoulos
Journalist and Analyst of International Football and Affairs
Chief Editor English Zone of Discoveryfootball.com
Athens (Greece)