Pavlidis scores four. Have Barça already found their next “dream” striker?

Vangelis Pavlidis put on a one-man show in Europa League qualifying. The Greek striker scored four goals as Benfica demolished St. Gallen 5–0 and overturned a 2–1 defeat from the first leg. Apparently, one performance like that was enough for his name to receive the traditional Barcelona label: “the club are closely monitoring the situation.”

According to Diario AS, Pavlidis is among Barça’s alternatives to Julián Álvarez. The move could become an option if Atlético reject Barcelona’s offer or the club manage to sell Ferran Torres. Álvarez was supposed to be Flick’s great obsession, but feelings in Barcelona’s transfer planning usually last until another striker scores four goals.

Pavlidis has now reached 30 goals in three consecutive seasons and has scored more than 20 in each of his last five campaigns. Benfica paid €18 million for him, so they are unlikely to place their leading striker in the summer clearance section. Barça can still begin with their favourite part of every operation: interest, leaks and the belief that the player will soon describe joining the club as his greatest dream.