Former Benfica captain Kostas Katsouranis has told the Portuguese giants to give Newcastle United target Andreas Samaris what he wants to sign a new contract.
Samaris, who has piqued the interest of Newcastle since the January transfer window, has yet to agree on a contract renewal that would keep him at Benfica beyond the summer.
The Greek midfielder has failed to reach an agreement with the Eagles regarding his wages and has attracted interest from several clubs, who want to sign him on a free transfer during the close season.
And in the wake of Samaris’ contract renewal talks hitting an impasse, Katsouranis has told Benfica to give the midfielder what he wants.
The former Benfica captain insisted that Samaris loves the club and has several years being a key player in Lisbon as the basis for him to demand a substantial pay level in his new contract.
"Samaris loves Benfica and deserves to have a good contract. He has already proven that he deserves it [with his performances] on the pitch”, Katsouranis told Portuguese outlet Desporto ao Minuto.
“In my opinion, Samaris is one of the most important players in the current Benfica squad. It's just my opinion.
“He has spent several years at the club and knows the ambition of the fans.
"The renewal should have been resolved a long time ago, in my opinion.”
Katsouranis also admitted he is not sure what is going to happen at the end of the season, but reiterated that Samaris’ demands are not prodigious, especially considering his services to the club.
“I do not know what's going to happen at the end of the season. It is not crazy”, he continued.
“I know he wants to stay, but he wants to stay and be happy.
"He is 30 years old and deserves to have a good contract, which is normal for a footballer.
“He has already proven that he deserves this because he has played many games for Benfica.”
The former Greece international even went on to claim that Benfica should keep Samaris at all costs and feels the player should only choose what is best for him.
“This coach [Bruno Lage] has already shown everyone that he wants to have Samaris in the squad by playing him on a regular basis”, he added.
“I think Benfica should keep Samaris and he should choose what is best for him.”
Samaris will not be short of options if he does leave Benfica, as in addition to Newcastle he has interest from Russia and Turkey.
