Benfica manager Marco Silva has played down concerns over Vangelis Pavlidis’ future amid growing reports linking the Greek striker with a potential move to Barcelona.
Pavlidis has emerged as one of the names being considered by the Catalan giants as they continue their search for a new centre-forward. Barcelona have reportedly been exploring alternatives after encountering difficulties in their pursuit of Atlético Madrid striker Julián Alvarez, while Pavlidis has attracted attention with his impressive goalscoring record at Benfica.
However, Silva has made it clear that Pavlidis remains a hugely important part of his plans at Benfica and that the club has no desire to lose one of its key attacking players.
Speaking after Benfica’s emphatic 5-0 victory over St. Gallen in the Europa League qualifiers, a match in which Pavlidis scored four goals, Silva was asked about the speculation surrounding his striker.
The Portuguese coach stressed that Pavlidis’ importance goes well beyond his ability to find the back of the net.
“We have some players who are fundamental for us,” Silva explained, making it clear that while the team remains more important than any individual, there are certain players the club would be extremely reluctant to lose.
According to Silva, Pavlidis is one of those players.
The Benfica boss highlighted the striker’s goalscoring ability but also praised his work without the ball, his movement and his contribution to the team’s overall tactical structure. Silva believes those qualities make the Greece international much more than a traditional number nine.
“Pavlidis is much more than that,” Silva said, referring to his goalscoring contribution. The manager explained that the forward’s ability to link play and create opportunities for teammates is an important part of the way he wants Benfica to play.
The comments come at a time when Pavlidis’ performances have naturally intensified speculation about his future. His four-goal display against St. Gallen was particularly impressive, with the striker playing a decisive role in Benfica’s comeback victory. Spanish reports subsequently highlighted his performance as another reason for Barcelona to continue monitoring him.
Barcelona’s interest is understood to be connected to their need for attacking reinforcements. With other targets proving difficult to secure, Pavlidis has reportedly become one of the alternatives being considered by the club.
Despite the rumours, Silva appears confident that the player will remain focused on Benfica.
The manager has previously insisted that transfer speculation should not distract his squad, arguing that the market does not play matches and that his responsibility is to keep his players concentrated on Benfica’s objectives.
Silva has also praised Pavlidis’ professionalism and attitude during the current period of uncertainty, saying that the striker respects Benfica and remains happy at the club.
For Barcelona, however, convincing Benfica to sell could prove complicated. Reports indicate that the Portuguese giants have little appetite for allowing Pavlidis to leave, particularly after the importance he has assumed in Silva’s plans. An exceptional offer could potentially change the situation, but Benfica’s preference is reportedly to keep their prolific striker.
Pavlidis has therefore found himself at the centre of one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer stories. Barcelona may continue monitoring the situation, but Marco Silva’s message is clear: Benfica consider the Greek forward a crucial player and have no intention of willingly giving him up.
With the transfer window approaching its conclusion, Pavlidis’ future will remain one of the stories to watch closely. For now, though, Benfica appear determined to
keep their goal machine in Lisbon.
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