Carlos Vinicius was left out of Benfica’s squad at the weekend amid claims the former Tottenham Hotspur loanee has admirers at Wolves and Crystal Palace, as reported by Bancada.
While explaining why the battling Brazilian was nowhere to be seen during Saturday’s 2-1 win at Moreirense, Benfica boss Jorge Jesus was at pains to point out Vinicius remains part of his plans.
However, we’re not sure if we actually believe that.
It was Jesus who let Vinicius leave on loan for Tottenham last summer after all.
And it was he who left the one-time Monaco man at home for this weekend’s Primeira Liga opener too. Vinicius has fallen behind Luca Waldschmidt, Goncalo Ramos and big summer signing Roman Yaremchuk in Jesus’ pecking order.
Darwin Nunez, the so-called ‘new Edinson Cavani’, would have featured too if he hadn’t been ruled out with a knee injury.
According to Record, Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace have shown an interest in Vinicius.
The Jorge Mendes client also has admirers at Molineux, with reports earlier in the summer saying Wolverhampton Wanderers were willing to pay £26 million for his signature.
Things have gone quiet, however, since Raul Jimenez’s return to action.
Crystal Palace and Wolves eye ex-Spurs ace Carlos Vinicius
“Vinicius continues to be part of my plans,” claimed Jesus when questioned about the striker’s absence.
“I chose to take Roman Yaremchuk because he recently arrived and he needs to see the team play. He doesn’t even know his colleagues.
“And I had to sacrifice Carlos Vinicius.”
Benfica would surely be tempted to cash in on Vinicius if the right offer arrives, although much will depend on the future of Nunez.
Vinicius scored ten goals in 11 starts during his time at Spurs but struggled to make an impact in the Premier League. Then again, he did have a certain Harry Kane ahead of him in the pecking order.
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