Benfica's Brazilian forward Carlos Vinicius celebrates after scoring a goal during the Portuguese League football match between SL Benfica and FC Famalicao at Luz stadium in Lisbon on December 14, 2019. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)
As per Sky Sports, Tottenham have completed a loan deal for Carlos Vinicius from Benfica. Finally, it seems like Spurs’ search for a backup striker has ended. Tottenham have the option to buy the attacker for £36m.
Carlos Vinicius is a 25-year-old Brazilian forward who plays for Portuguese club SL Benfica. He started his youth career at Goias in 2009 and moved to Santos after two years. He was immediately loaned out to Desportivo Brasil and on his return, he was released.
Palmeiras signed him in 2014 but he moved again within two years to Caldense. Another transfer followed in the following season, with the player moving to Gremio Anapolis. In 2017, he was transferred to Real SC. Only here did Vinicius get a chance to play regular football. In 38 appearances, he contributed to 25 goals (20 goals + 5 assists).
Napoli were his next suitors but immediately after signing, he was sent on successive loan spells to Rio Ave FC and AS Monaco. Without playing even one game for Napoli, he was sold to Benfica last season.
He enjoyed his most prolific seasons there with 24 goals and 13 assists in 49 appearances (source – Transfermarkt). The forward is yet to be called up to the national team at any level.
It is a well-known fact that Spurs have always struggled to keep a decent backup striker ever since Harry Kane became their main man in the attack. They tried a variety of players such as Vincent Janssen, Fernando Llorente, etc. but none of them was good enough to take over when Kane was sidelined or needed rest.
This deal for Carlos Vinicius comes as a much-needed relief for Jose Mourinho. Spurs are in the midst of a gruelling season with up to 3 matches in certain weeks. Their squad depth will be tested to the brim. However, the club have done fairly well in the transfer market, adding to key areas of the team.
The only position missing was a second-choice/backup striker. Now with Vinicius’ arrival, Mourinho can rest easy knowing that there will be a young, prolific and in-form forward to call upon if the need arises. His attributes are much different from that of Kane’s and provides a more physical approach to the game. This will be quite a useful move for Mourinho.
