Sport Witness

Tottenham and Aston Villa are both being linked with Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis after another hugely productive season from the Greek international.

The 27-year-old ended the campaign with 30 goals and five assists in all competitions. This includes the winner against rivals Sporting in the Portuguese Super Cup final.

More importantly, he has now managed 60 goals in 110 matches since arriving from AZ Alkmaar for €18m (£15.2m) two years ago.

His consistency across two campaigns has made him one of Benfica’s biggest assets heading into the summer window. Those numbers are now starting to echo loudly around Europe.

That is where Tottenham and Villa enter the picture.

Premier League interest growing

According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, both Premier League clubs are keeping close tabs on Pavlidis. At the same time, AC Milan and AS Roma in Italy are also interested.

The report adds there has still been no formal offer placed on Benfica president Rui Costa’s desk. At this stage, the situation is more about growing interest than advanced negotiations.

Still, the links are understandable from an English perspective.

Tottenham have tried to rely on Dominic Solanke and Richarlison in the past two seasons, unsucessfully. Due to various reasons, neither have effectively took over the starting spot.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, are preparing for another demanding season under Unai Emery. Ollie Watkins continues to attract attention, Tammy Abraham lacked consistency, and Villa will need stronger rotation options as they prepare for another season balancing Premier League and European football.

Why the interest

Vangelis Pavlidis is a modern striker known for his presence, link-up play and finishing ability.

Often compared to Karim Benzema, the Benfica forward regularly drops deep to connect attacks, create space and involve teammates rather than simply staying inside the box.

At 1.86m, he combines physical strength with agility, protects the ball well and is dangerous in one-on-one situations. Pavlidis is also a clinical finisher with both feet, has impeccable heading and is highly effective inside the penalty area.

His close control in tight spaces is one of the weaker aspects of his game, though.

Alongside his goalscoring record, he also stands out for his vision and ability to create chances for others.

Benfica open to major sale

Vangelis Pavlidis turns 28 next season, and O Jogo explains Benfica may now view this summer as the ideal moment to consider a sale.

The Portuguese side are already planning for a significant rebuild. They are also waiting to see whether Real Madrid will activate the clause needed to take José Mourinho away from Lisbon. Such a move would further shake up preparations for next season.

Because of that, Benfica are expected to be open to negotiations for some of their biggest names if the numbers make sense.

However, Pavlidis will not come cheap. Benfica paid €18m (£15.2m) for him and would only consider a sizeable offer.

For now, Tottenham and Aston Villa remain in the watching stage. The admiration is there, but Benfica are still waiting for somebody to make the first real move.

Tottenham’s links with Sassuolo’s Tarik Muharemovic have only grown in recent weeks. There’s now a hint that talks between the two clubs have been held.

Inter Milan and Juventus had initially been pursuing the Bosnian. Soon, English interest emerged and this came as a threat to Italian clubs’ ambitions of landing the defender.

Sport Witness covered Tottenham’s enquiries, with Aston Villa also among the suitors for the Bosnia international.

To make it worse for Italian sides, Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali flew to London to speak to Premier League clubs.

As the threat of Muharemovic moving to England looms, Carnevali has now clarified Sassuolo’s position about his future.

Hint that talks held with Spurs

The Italian spoke to Tuttomercatoweb late on Wednesday about the Neroverdi’s season, but he was also asked about Muharemovic’s situation.

When directly asked if the defender will join Inter, Carnevali said: “We’re a club that in recent years has always sought to give young players the opportunity to improve and, above all, reach big clubs. It’s clear that those with these characteristics are among the most sought after, and I think it’s still a bit early.”

The CEO also spoke about Juventus’ sell-on clause of 50% in Muharemovic’s current deal.

“Yes, this is a deal we made with Juventus, and I think it was excellent for both of us. We made him more valuable, and they’ll get 50%.”

When asked about his trip to London, Carnevali hinted that talks have been held with clubs like Tottenham. He clarified that the next few days can be very important for the player.

“Fortunately for us, it’s not just Muharemovic. It’s normal to have relationships with foreign clubs too.

“There’s no point in hiding it. We’ve been to London, we’ve spoken to a few clubs, and we’ll see what happens in the next few days.”

Attempt to raise player price

Sassuolo are trying their best to promote their player after he enjoyed a brilliant Serie A campaign. They can finish as high as ninth this season, despite having only achieved promotion to the top-flight in the previous campaign.

Sassuolo are a selling club and they rely on money earned from sales. That’s why there is no doubt that Muharemovic will leave and the Neroverdi want to earn as much as possible.

As a result, a move to Tottenham would really help them. It would also help the player and Spurs themselves, who can lose Micky Van De Ven in the summer.

Muharemovic can replace him perfectly and may not cost more than €40m. That amount will be problematic for Inter and Roberto De Zerbi’s side could gind an advantage there.

Tottenham Hotspur‘s Alejo Véliz will leave the Premier League club permanently and move to Esporte Clube Bahia in the summer.

The Argentine arrived at Tottenham from Rosario Central in August 2023 and struggled for regular minutes in England.

The north London club sent him on loan to Sevilla in January 2024 and later that year to Espanyol.

He failed to impress regularly at these two clubs and last summer, Spurs let him return to Rosario Central on a season-long loan deal.

In the winter market, Bahia wanted to sign the 22-year-old permanently and the English club were in favour of a sale. Tottenham even agreed the Brazilian club’s bid, but Rosario Central refused to cut short his loan stay.

In February, Sport Witness relayed news that Tottenham agreed a €9m deal for the striker to join Bahia in the summer.

On Tuesday, Véliz scored in Rosario Central’s 4-0 home win over Universidad Central de Venezuela in the Copa Libertadores.

Tottenham player said goodbye

After the match, the Tottenham Hotspur man appeared emotional. On Wednesday, Sport Witness covered claims from Argentina he has played his last match for his current club.

La Capita now state Alejo Véliz ‘bid farewell to the Gigante de Arroyito stadium before his loan from Tottenham ends, with the latter expected to finalise a sale to Bahia of Brazil’.

The frontman spoke to Rosario Central’s official channel, and the outlet have relayed his comments.

His club teammate, Marco Ruben, interrupted the interview to heap praise on the Spurs owned player. Ruben talked about Véliz’s exit and wished him luck for the future.

“It’s a very special night. He’s saying goodbye to the Gigante for the second time. It certainly won’t be the last, so we’ll be waiting for him here again,” he said.

“He’s going to continue his career, and I and all the Rosario Central fans wish him the greatest success, that he continues to grow as a footballer and enjoy playing football, so he’ll come back.”

“I’ve known him since he was a kid, we were together in 2021 when I returned for the first time, and we’ve been through a lot together. I’m thrilled to have been able to share this match with him, even though we weren’t on the pitch together.”

On his second spell at Rosario Central, Véliz explained: “Since Marco left, I’ve had a huge responsibility with the nickname they gave me and with wearing the number nine, which was a heavy burden.”

“I always tried to contribute to the group. To the team, to give everything for this jersey, to put everything aside for this jersey. The day I return, I’ll continue doing so.”

Spurs will soon part with player

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly paid £13m [€15m] to buy the Argentine three years ago.

He ended up playing 45 minutes from eight matches for Spurs, who will collect €9m from his sale.

Although it’s a loss for the English club, the upcoming exit will see them get rid of Alejo Véliz permanently.

Fenerbahçe have positioned themselves to sign Andy Robertson when he leaves Liverpool in the summer transfer window, and may beat Tottenham.

Fener Ajans report information from journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu today. He states that Fenerbahçe have lined up a deal for the 32-year-old.

Fenerbahçe agree deal

The Turkish journalist reports that Fenerbahçe have now agreed a deal with the Liverpool defender. He would sign a two-year contract with the Super Lig club, worth a €3m salary.

That deal is now lined up and ready to be signed. But it will be dependent on who wins the upcoming presidential elections at the club.

According to Sabuncuoğlu, the deal can be done ‘if both presidential candidates approve’ to the transfer this summer.

Fenerbahçe are set to vote in an extraordinary electoral congress scheduled for June 6-7th. That means any move for Andy Robertson could be delayed until that point. But the Turkish side have lined up the deal nonetheless.

The Scottish defender is set to bring his time at Anfield to and end this summer. The decision to leave Liverpool at the end of his contract has already been announced.

Tottenham interest

He was on the verge of leaving in the January transfer window, with Tottenham keen on him at that point. However, a deal could not be agreed at that point. He instead remained at Anfield to see out his contract and leave in the summer.

A second effort from Tottenham has been mooted, particularly if they stay in the Premier League this season. That’s set to be decided on the final day of the season.

But with such strong ties to the red side of Merseyside, perhaps he wants a different adventure. And it seems Fenerbahçe are ready to offer it to him.

They just need to wait for the end of their presidential elections, or for their candidates to agree, before they can push the agreement over the line.

Tottenham players are still getting used to life under Roberto De Zerbi, but Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin has already offered a detailed glimpse into what working with the Italian is actually like.

And judging by the Ukranian’s words, the current Spurs manager leaves a very strong impression on his players.

Speaking to A Bola, the 24-year-old reflected on his season under De Zerbi at Shakhtar Donetsk in 2021/22. The Italian clearly changed the way he sees football.

Trubin described De Zerbi with one word: “Crazy.”

But it was not criticism though. Quite the opposite.

Trubin explains De Zerbi impact

Anatoliy Trubin repeated several times that De Zerbi transformed his understanding of football.

“He opened my eyes to another way of playing, even for me, as a goalkeeper. He wants everyone to know their role,” he explained.

“We still ask ourselves how we played football before him, because he opened a new path for us to play,” he said.

The Italian has built his reputation around structured possession football, aggressive build-up play and demanding positional responsibilities. Goalkeepers become part of the construction phase rather than simple shot stoppers.

For that reason, hearing such strong praise from a goalkeeper is especially interesting.

Then Trubin also made clear he would welcome another opportunity to work with him, with a pair of lines that inevitably attract attention in North London.

“He could still teach me a lot,” the goalkeeper admitted, before answering if he would like a move to England.

“There is no player in the world who does not want to play in the Premier League, but I have to continue working hard.”

For now, Trubin says he is happy in Lisbon, joking about the benefit of having “ten months of sun”. Still, the overall tone of the interview was extremely positive whenever De Zerbi’s name appeared.

Could Tottenham eventually look at him?

Tottenham are expected to make decisions in goal this summer.

Guglielmo Vicario continues to attract interest and may not stay forever, while Antonin Kinsky still has to prove he can become a long-term No.1 at Premier League level. That naturally makes the Trubin angle interesting.

The Ukrainian already understands De Zerbi’s demands better than most goalkeepers on the market. At 24 years old, he also fits the profile Tottenham usually target – young enough to develop, but already experienced at a high level.

His numbers this season have been strong too. In Liga Portugal, Trubin conceded only 20 goals in 32 matches and kept 13 clean sheets. Benfica allowed a goal every 144 minutes with him in goal, while his goals conceded per 90 minutes stands at 0.63.

His shot-stopping numbers are also impressive. Trubin saved 74 of the 98 shots he faced, giving him a save percentage of 75.51%.

Those statistics help explain why Benfica see him as one of the most valuable goalkeepers in Portugal. Manchester City were linked with him before making a move for Gianluigi Donnaruma. So his stocks are high.

Nothing currently suggests Tottenham are actively moving for him. However, after such glowing comments about De Zerbi, and with uncertainty around Spurs’ goalkeeping situation, Trubin suddenly feels like a profile worth watching if Tottenham remain in the Premier League.

It barely even feels like Alejo Véliz belongs to Tottenham anymore, but that is still the case until next month. Now the striker appears to have played his final home match for Rosario Central in emotional fashion.

According to Olé, Véliz played and scored in what looks set to be his farewell appearance at the Gigante de Arroyito before his upcoming move to Bahia.

As we covered earlier this year, the Brazilian club agreed a €9m (£7.6m) deal with Tottenham, finally bringing an end to a chaotic transfer story involving the City Football Group.

The striker’s loan officially expires on 30 June, although for a long time it looked like he could leave much earlier.

Long goodbye after months of drama

Alejo Véliz’s move to Bahia took far more twists than most people expected.

At different stages, there were talks about January exits, compensation payments to Rosario Central and even alternative deal structures involving future buy-back clauses for Tottenham. At one point, it felt like the transfer story changed every couple of days.

In the end, Rosario Central stood firm and managed to keep the striker until the end of the loan spell.

Véliz wanted to stay in Argentina, finish the season properly and keep playing in front of the Central supporters before starting the next chapter of his career in Brazil.

That emotional connection showed during his final appearance in Rosario. Fans already knew the striker would leave, but the goal and the tears after coming off gave the night a very different feel.

Mixed numbers but still an important figure

Alejo Véliz did not put up huge numbers during his return spell in Argentina. He finished the season with six goals in 23 appearances for Rosario Central.

Even so, he remained an important player for the squad throughout the campaign. Rosario reached the semi-finals of the Argentine championship, and Véliz played a major role alongside Argentine legend Angel Di María despite all the constant noise around his future.

That also helps explain why Rosario fought so hard to keep him until June instead of agreeing to an earlier exit.

What happens next

For Tottenham, the situation has already been sorted financially. Spurs agreed the permanent sale months ago and avoided dragging the uncertainty deeper into the summer.

Bahia, meanwhile, finally get the striker they spent a long time chasing. Operating as Manchester City’s satellite club in Brazil within the City Football Group structure, they see Véliz as part of a longer-term project rather than a quick gamble.

Now, after months dominated by clauses, negotiations and delays, the focus finally shifts back to football. Alejo Véliz got his goodbye in Rosario – and Bahia’s wait is almost over.

Championship clubs are starting to look after the former Wolverhampton and Tottenham coach quietly built a strong reputation in Portugal as a manager over the past two seasons.

Scottish coach Ian Cathro has turned Estoril into one of the more organised teams outside Portugal’s traditional top clubs. They finished inside the top ten in each of the last two campaigns, despite operating with a much smaller budget than Benfica, Sporting or Porto.

His side earned praise this season for their attacking football and structured pressing. Estoril also developed younger players pretty well, something Championship clubs often value highly when considering managerial appointments.

Cathro has admirers in England

That work is now attracting attention from England, according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo. The report states Ian Cathro has already been approached by clubs from the Championship.

He is still best known for his spells alongside Nuno Espírito Santo at both Wolverhampton and Tottenham Hotspur. He worked as part of Nuno’s coaching staff in the Premier League before taking the Estoril job in 2023.

At the time, his appointment in Portugal raised eyebrows. Cathro’s previous experience as a manager at Hearts ended badly, and there were doubts about whether another senior role would arrive quickly. Instead, he has rebuilt his reputation steadily in Estoril after a harsh start.

Also, it was also under Cathro that Estoril completed three of the five biggest sales in the club’s history, bringing in close to £17m (€20m). For a club of Estoril’s size, that income is vital and only strengthened his standing internally.

Quiet work in Portugal paying off

O Jogo explain that Cathro remains under contract until 2028, which means any move would require an agreement with Estoril’s hierarchy. That could complicate things if English interest becomes more concrete in the coming weeks.

Still, the report adds Cathro’s current priority is to stay at Estoril. The coach is expected to meet club officials soon to review the season and discuss ambitions for 2026/27.

However, his background naturally makes him an interesting option for Championship clubs. He knows English football, understands the demands of large clubs and already has Premier League experience through Wolves and Tottenham.

Whether the approaches become formal negotiations remains to be seen. However, after two impressive years at Estoril, England is clearly watching closely again.

Inter Milan had been pursuing a move for Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario for many weeks. They seem to have made a drastic U-turn regarding a possible transfer.

The Italian media pushed the idea of a move to Inter aggressively and Sport Witness were close to the coverage. Nerazzurri sporting director Piero Ausilio had travelled to London to speak to Vicario’s agent about a switch.

Things were heading in the right direction, with Yann Sommer’s contract running out at the end of the campaign. Josep Martinez was firmly the second-choice behind the struggling Switzerland international.

The Tottenham player is now increasingly unlikely to end up at the Italian champions.

Martinez becoming key

Today’s TuttoSport is very confident that Martinez is now Inter’s first-choice goalkeeper. He has impressed over the past few weeks, with Sommer definitely leaving.

Manager Cristian Chivu is convinced that the Spaniard can do a job next season, leaving Inter to move for a back-up goalkeeper now.

This is why Tottenham’s Vicario isn’t being pursued strongly. The Italian’s value has dropped in Inter’s eyes and they do not want to pay anything over €20m to sign him.

There are financial and technical reasons behind it and they are linked to Martinez. Genoa earned €14m from his exit and Inter do not want to waste the money spent on him two years ago.

Tottenham also pulling out

Gazzetta dello Sport add more, noting that Vicario and Inter have already agreed personal terms. The 29-year-old was keen on a deal but Tottenham’s demands were a hindrance.

Now, Spurs have pretty much pulled out of the deal. They are in no hurry to sell their goalkeeper, even if Antonin Kinsky has impressed since Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival.

The pink daily are confident that Martinez will be Inter’s first-choice, with Lazio’s Ivan Provedel their key target for the back-up keeper role.

Inter not the only destination

A host of Italian clubs could need a new goalkeeper in the summer. Inter aren’t the only one, with Juventus also in need for a first-choice. Fiorentina could yet lose David De Gea and this will leave them looking for a replacement.

If Roma sell Mile Svilar, they too can come in for the ex-Empoli player.

That is why Tottenham shouldn’t be rushing into Vicario’s exit. His stock has dropped this season but he will have enough admirers to help Spurs command a decent price.

Moreover, his agent Gabriele Giuffrida has worked with many Serie A clubs over transfers. He can surely come up with a way to help Vicario find a new club.

Barcelona have Tottenham Hotspur‘s Cristian Romero on their list to improve their defence ahead of next season.

On April 29th, Sport Witness relayed news the centre-back is the main alternative to Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni.

Earlier this month, we covered claims the Italian is worried about Barcelona’s interest in the Tottenham star.

Wednesday’s edition of Sport states the La Liga winners have given on Bastoni due to his €70m price.

Hansi Flick’s side are looking at alternatives, and this is where the Argentina international comes into the picture.

Tottenham take stance

Another report from Sport states Barcelona are closely monitoring Tottenham Hotspur’s situation.

Spurs’ failure to beat Chelsea on Tuesday means their Premier League stay isn’t secure yet. They are 17th in the table, two points ahead of 18th placed West Ham United, and need at least a point to avoid relegation.

Sport state Roberto De Zerbi’s side will allow Cristian Romero to leave irrespective of their stay in the Premier League.

Barcelona, who were offered Romero over a month ago, made contact with his agent and are awaiting a response.

The Catalan club are well aware he ‘will definitely leave’ Tottenham, who will decide the price depending on their Premier League stay. If Spurs stay up, Sport state the price will be €60m and it’ll drop significantly in case of relegation.

However, the Spanish champions are refusing to pay €60m and will only consider a deal for a ‘significantly lower price’, by offering a player to Spurs as part of the deal.

The South American wants to arrive at the Camp Nou while Atlético Madrid are also in the picture to sign him. There won’t be any movements until Tottenham finish their season.

Contract, value and agent info

Last August, Cristian Romero signed an extension at Tottenham Hotspur until 2029. His value, as per Transfermarkt, is €50m and the highest was €65m in December 2025.

Agent Ciro Palermo manages the Argentine, who is currently working on his recovery after suffering an injury in April.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly chasing Gençlerbirliği SK’s Ousmane Diabaté ahead of the summer.

The 18-year-old arrived at the Süper Lig side on a free transfer in the last window, after a spell at Guinean side Académie SOAR.

He started with their U19s before getting opportunities with their first team, playing 397 minutes from seven matches.

The defensive midfielder has only made a handful of appearances but has still caught Tottenham’s attention.

Tottenham already sent officials

That’s according to Africa Foot, who cover the latest on the Premier League side’s interest in the youngster.

Spurs have closely monitored Ousmane Diabaté and even sent scouts to watch him live.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side held initial talks with his representative and then sent their official to Turkey last weekend. He played 24 minutes in his side’s 3-0 win over Trabzonspor.

The Guinean’s attracting interest from clubs from various leagues, but Tottenham Hotspur interest is strong and they view him as a bet for the future.

Spurs also held talks with Gençlerbirliği, who won’t oppose a sale if there’s a convincing offer. There’s no mention of the Turkish club’s request.

Entourage in favour of Tottenham move

An unnamed member of Ousmane Diabaté’s entourage told Africa Foot that Tottenham Hotspur are determined to sign him.

“This also explains the growing interest from Tottenham, as well as that of other European clubs. But the English club seems particularly determined to sign Ousmane Diabaté. We were delighted to see Tottenham travel to watch him play,” a member of his entourage said.

“This means a lot to us. Discussions with the London club are ongoing, and we hope to reach a positive agreement. For now, Tottenham is still in a phase of observing and monitoring the player.”

Our take: Guinean cheap option for Spurs

Roberto De Zerbi has Rodrigo Bentancur, João Palhinha [on loan from Bayern Munich] and Yves Bissouma as the three defensive midfielders in the squad.

Galatasaray failed to sign Bissouma in the winter market and could return for him in the summer. His contract expires in June and he’s likely to leave the north London club as a free agent.

Taking this into account, Tottenham Hotspur could bring in a new defensive midfielder. This is where Ousmane Diabaté can be a good option as he shouldn’t cost a lot in the next window.