It's been a frustrating season for Benfica striker Carlos Vinicius who has been experiencing his first taste of English football. While on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, the Brazilian has been finding the net in European and domestic cup competitions but his game time in the Premier League has been limited.
Vinicius is the latest in a long line of forwards who have been given the unenviable task of providing back up to Harry Kane. Spurs rarely go into a game with two strikers so the Benfica loanee has had to be patient on the fringes of the starting XI.
As that loan deal runs down, his absence from four consecutive match day squads suggests his time in North London may be up but that doesn't necessarily mean that his spell in England is over.
Wolves in the frame
Following Raul Jimenez's horrific injury, Wolves have been short of attacking intent for much of the 2020/21 season. With no clear indication as to when Jimenez may return, manager Nuno Espirito Santo will undoubtedly be looking at new faces for next season.
With Carlos Vinicius' future uncertain, Wolves have emerged as frontrunners for the striker's signature in the close season. Reports vary with some outlets hinting at a straight cash deal while others suggest that Benfica will be offered Ruben Vinagre in part exchange. Wolves have the need for striking reinforcements and Vinicius needs a club so this could be a strong transfer suggestion.
Going Cold
It's also being reported that Spurs were offered the chance to sign Carlos Vinicius on a permanent basis at the end of the current season. The issue is the fee and it's unlikely that Chairman Daniel Levy will be willing to pay £36 million for a back up striker.
The Brazilian has, to date, scored 10 goals in 22 games and his best return has come in the Europa League where Vinicius found the net six times in nine matches. Tottenham were favourites to win in Europe for much of the campaign, according to Europa League betting markets supplied via arabianbetting.com.
Ultimately, they failed in that quest following a poor performance against Dinamo Zagreb in the Round of 16. Europe will, however, be a target for Spurs again next season and arabianbetting.com will shortly be listing new markets for 2020/21. News updates on all teams involved will appear while sportsbook offers and welcome deals will be accessible for anyone wanting to take a bet.
Carlos Vinicius could yet be involved in the competition with reports that Tottenham are looking to negotiate on that £36 million fee. However, it's believed that Spurs are bidding at just £18 million so the two clubs are currently a long way apart on their respective valuations.
Benfica Return on the Cards?
Vinicius had already been on the books of six clubs before signing for Benfica in 2019. His record with the Portuguese giants was a respectable one and he left for England with 24 goals in 49 matches for Benfica across all competitions.
It's tough to get into the Benfica side right now and Vinicius would have to get past some more established strikers including Haris Seferovic and Darwin Nunez. However, that ratio of close to a goal every other game is more than useful and Benfica must be tempted to recall their player and find a space for him in their starting XI.
Before the season comes to a close across Europe, many other clubs may be linked with the signing of Carlos Vinicius. His future remains unclear but he's surely done enough in England to earn a regular place with whichever club makes their move.
