Benfica striker Carlos Vinicius is reportedly close to joining Tottenham Hotspur on loan for the rest of the season.
The Brazilian has been the subject of much speculation for teams in the Premier League, with other potential suitors including Manchester United and Liverpool.
Spurs are set to beat their English top-flight rivals for the 25 year-old’s signature, according to BBC Sport, with the loan expected to include an option to buy the player on a permanent basis for €45 million (£40.83 million).
Vinícius, who hit double figures in goals and assists in all competitions last season for As Águias, has been tipped to become Harry Kane’s back-up option, easing the burden on the Tottenham number nine, should he require rest.
However, he is more than just capable of playing second fiddle and could easily partner the England forward in seasons to come, if the loan does prove to be a success.
Who is Carlos Vinicius?
The Brazilian joined the Lisbon outfit from Napoli in July 2019 and thrived in what was his debut season for O Glorioso last term.
He managed to score 24 goals and provide 13 assists from 47 appearances across all competitions, and his 18 league goals saw him share the league’s top-scorer awarded alongside teammate Pizzi and now Porto forward Mehdi Taremi.
Vinícius is a player that is always in the penalty area and is known for his poaching-instincts. He is a clinical finisher, usually needing just one chance to find the net, with his customary goal-celebration likened to that of Kylian Mbappé.
The Brazilian scores a variety of goals and is usually precise with his finishing, with his wand of a left foot often picking out the far-corners. He also likes to play on the last defender, making him a terrific option when on the break.
Furthermore his 1,90 metre stature makes him a threat in the air, which will aid Spurs in both penalty areas from an offensive and defensive standpoint.
Jorge Jesus’ second coming
Vinícius started the vast majority of his matches for Benfica last season, but is yet to cement a starting position under returning manager Jorge Jesus, who is back at the helm of the club after spells at Sporting and Flamengo.
He has made just two brief substitute appearances this term overall, and has fallen down the pecking-order at the club, behind new signings Darwin Núñez and Luca Waldschmidt.
He appears to be out of Jesus’ immediate plans and a move to Tottenham would certainly aid his appetite for goals and game time.
Impact at Spurs
It remains to be seen whether the north London outfit can finalise a deal for Vinicius prior to Monday’s 23:00 BST deadline, but the Brazilian would arguably hit the ground running.
At a side in Spurs, where creativity is ever-flowing, the prolific Vinícius will almost certainly improve on his goal-tally and help deputise in Kane’s absence.
Aided by the recent additions of Sergio Reguilón, Gareth Bale and Matt Doherty, as well as the likes of Heung-min Son and Érik Lamela, opportunities will become available for the 25 year-old to fill his boots.
As for the familiar crossed-arms celebration, only time will tell.
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