West Ham keen to sign £85m Benfica star this summer 

West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Benfica star Vangelis Pavlidis. 

The Hammers have had a miserable 2024-25 campaign. Fans expected an improvement in the club’s fortunes when they replaced Julen Lopetegui with Graham Potter. 

However, the English boss has failed to make a significant impact, winning just three of his 15 games in charge. 

With Premier League safety guaranteed, West Ham do not have much to play for in their remaining four fixtures. 

Potter will already be making preparations for the summer transfer window. 

According to a report from A Bola, they have set their sights on Greece international Pavlidis. 

The Irons were linked with an interest in the 26-year-old last summer, but a move did not materialise as the Londoners went on to sign Niclas Fullkrug. 

Benfica snapped him up for £16 million and that has proved to be an excellent move for them. 

The 26-year-old has scored 28 goals and registered 11 assists this campaign to help the Eagles challenge Sporting Lisbon for the Primeira Liga title. 

West Ham are desperate to add firepower and they are said to be keeping an eye on Pavlidis. But the issue is the striker has a £85m release clause in his contract at Benfica. 

The East Londoners also face competition from Everton, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United for the signature of the talented forward. 

Meanwhile, Barcelona are also reportedly keen and could initiate a move for him in the next transfer window. 

Pavlidis could be a smart acquisition for West Ham, as he is young, highly talented and has proven his skills in Portugal. 

But it remains to be seen whether they can secure a deal for the 26-year-old. Paying his release clause is out of the question for the Hammers, who don’t look to have a lot of funds available for transfers this summer. 

Stats from Transfermarkt