Newcastle & Chelsea Collide in €100m Showdown for Pavlidis

 

NEWCASTLE & CHELSEA IN €100M SHOWDOWN! PREMIER LEAGUE RIVALS TARGET BENFICA'S VANGELIS PAVLIDIS BUT FACE BARCELONA & ATLETICO MADRID COMPETITION

Newcastle United and Chelsea are set to go head-to-head in a €100m (£85m) transfer battle for Benfica’s red-hot striker Vangelis Pavlidis, but face fierce competition from Barcelona and Atlético Madrid for the Greek goal machine.

⚽ Why Pavlidis is in Demand

The 25-year-old has been one of Europe’s most lethal strikers this season:

✅ 34 goals in 41 games (Primeira Liga + Europa League)

✅ Elite movement (1.4 xG/90 – top 3% in Europe)

✅ Physicality (6’1″, wins 4.2 aerial duels/90)

✅ Release Clause: €100m (£85m) – Benfica won’t negotiate.

🔵 Chelsea’s Interest

Nicolas Jackson Upgrade: Pavlidis is a more clinical finisher (23% conversion rate vs. Jackson’s 12%).

Pochettino’s Approval: Scouts have watched him 5 times since January.

Financial Power: Can pay the clause but must sell Broja/Lukaku first.

⚫️ Newcastle’s Plan

Isak Partner? Howe wants a physical No. 9 to rotate with the Swede.

FFP Constraints: May need to sell Wilson or Almiron to fund the deal.

European Pull: UCL football could sway Pavlidis.

🇪🇸 Barcelona & Atlético’s Threat

Barça’s Need: Lewandowski’s heir (but can they afford €100m?).

Atleti’s Edge: Simeone loves hard-working strikers – Pavlidis fits.

🗓️ What’s Next?

Bids Expected Post-Euros (Pavlidis is Greece’s main striker).

Benfica’s Stance: Won’t budge below the clause.

Wildcard: Saudi clubs could hijack with €120m offer.

Key Points

🔥 A four-way battle for one of Europe’s most in-form strikers.

💰 €100m is steep, but Pavlidis guarantees goals.

⚽ Newcastle & Chelsea lead, but Spanish giants lurk.