Benfica’s Eduardo Salvio has caught the attention of various top European clubs with Liverpool, Manchester United and most notably Tottenham Hotspur monitoring his development.
The 24-year-old was thought to be valued at around A?32million, which is quite a hefty sum to say the least, but according to Portuguese paper O Jogo, Benfica will reduce his buyout clause by as much as A?7m, which means he will be available at around A?25m.
Salvio’s current contract expires in 2017 and it is believed that talks have been held to extend his contract.
Born in Avellaneda, Argentina, Eduardo Salvio began his playing career with local side Club Atletico Lanus. He was recruited to the youth side and he gradually made his way up the ranks and made his debut for the senior side in 2008 as an 18-year old. Early in January 2010, after heavy speculation, Salvio moved to Atletico Madrid for a reported a 10million fee. He made 21 appearances in total in his first (half) season and scored two goals in the time being. In August that year, Salvio moved to Benfica on a season long loan (with the Lisbon club also buying 20% of his rights for a 2.5 million). He didn’t enjoy the brightest of start for the Portuguese club but he gradually established himself and by the end of the season, he had 10 goals and 8 assists in 39 matches in all competitions (4 goals and 3 assists in 19 league matches). After a successful season with Benfica, he went back to Atletico and was played regularly by both Gregorio Manzano and his successor, Diego Simeone. By the end of the season, Salvio had 8 goals and 3 assists in 48 games for Atletico. Despite a relatively good season, Atletico decided to part ways with the winger and he signed with Benfica permanently for five years for a club record a 13.5 million in July 2012. This season, Salvio is in extremely good touch and has 8 goals and 7 assists in 23 league matches and 12 goals and 8 assists in 32 games overall.
The Argentinean operates on the wings and is predominantly a right-winger, but he can operate on the opposite flank as well. He is constantly running up and down the wings and cuts inside as well, making him a menace for the full-backs as he is very difficult to mark. He comfortably comes in the box and links up with the other attackers and has a go at the goal himself. He is also defensively adept and helps out his full-back as well by tracking back when needed.
Salvio has been consistent for the past three or four years and his stats indicate that he is improving every year. Therefore, he will be a good addition to any squad and the fact that Liverpool, Spurs and United all seem interested means that despite the possible reduction in his buy-out clause, Benfica will get a good sum for the talented winger.