Tottenham Hotspur have had a dismal season so far, failing to win any of their six Premier League games, while they have also been eliminated from the EFL Cup. This is despite them spending over £350m on 10 players during the summer window.

The arrivals of Savio, Omar Marmoush and Mykhailo Mudryk have done little to improve the Lilywhites’ attacking ranks. Savio and Marmoush are still searching for their first league goal, while Mudryk is out injured.

Dominic Solanke showed his profligacy in front of goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend. While he netted the equaliser in stoppage time, Solanke demonstrated that Spurs would do well to sign an upgrade on him. Also, Richarlison remains out of Roberto De Zerbi’s project.

Benfica make decision on future of star striker amid Tottenham interest

It has been reported in recent weeks that Spurs are among several clubs keeping tabs on Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis. The 27-year-old has scored an eye-catching 14 goals in 13 appearances so far this season.

The Greek international has been identified by the North Londoners as a potential solution to their goalscoring conundrum. Tottenham have been reportedly scouting the striker ‘extensively’, but Barcelona enjoy the ‘edge’ for his signature. And now it looks like Tottenham’s pursuit of the Benfica star has become further complicated.

According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (h/t Sport Witness), Benfica are considering offering Vangelis Pavlidis a new contract after his blistering start to the 2026/27 season. Marco Silva has made retaining the centre-forward’s services a priority, with the Benfica coach seemingly blocking his exit during the summer.

The Portuguese outfit have rewarded Pavlidis with a salary increase and are planning to extend his current deal, which runs until 2029. Such a move would highlight the Eagles’ determination to keep hold of the Greek star amid interest from Tottenham, Barcelona and other clubs.

Spurs’ pursuit of Pavlidis could become difficult

Most importantly, Benfica have protected themselves by inserting a €100m release clause in Pavlidis’ contract. That, in itself, stands as a big roadblock in Tottenham’s pursuit of the in-form striker. Having spent big in the summer, it is unlikely that the Lilywhites will spend a fortune on a player in the winter window.

And if Benfica manage to extend Pavlidis’ contract, Tottenham’s hopes of bringing him to N17 will, in itself, be dashed.