Vangelis Pavlidis signs new contract with Benfica after rejecting Fenerbahçe

Greek international striker Vangelis Pavlidis has secured a significant contract extension with Portuguese club Benfica, effectively solidifying his long-term future in Lisbon. The 27-year-old, who joined the club in the summer of 2024, has been rewarded with a salary increase that makes him the highest-paid player on the current roster, serving as a sign of appreciation from the management for his loyalty and performance at the start of the current season.

This development follows a major transfer pursuit by the Turkish club Fenerbahçe, which reportedly offered 50 million euros to Benfica for the player's rights, alongside a personal salary package of 8 million euros per year plus bonuses for Pavlidis. Despite a release clause of only 25 million euros, the striker chose to remain with the Portuguese side. His decision prevented a potential transfer that had drawn interest from other major European clubs, including Tottenham, Aston Villa, Milan, Roma, and Juventus, as noted by local media. The move effectively cements his status as a key pillar for the team.