Who is Carlos Vinicius, What Can Tottenham Fans Expect?
By Aaron Coe
Carlos Vinicius’ Back Story
Even after that first taste of playing up front, it was not until 2017 while playing for Gremio Anapolis in Portugal that Vinicius got a real run as a striker. His play with Gremio Anapolis got him a shot with the larger Real Sport Club, where success – 20 goals in 39 games – and super-agent Jorge Mendes got emerging young talent purchased by Napoli for something near £3.6 million.
Yes, that is the same Jorge Mendes who is the agent for Tottenham coach Jose Mourinho, but before you think something is stinky here, Mendes as Vinicius’ agent only further solidifies his standing. Mendes is only an agent for the best, like Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, and James Rodriguez. With Mendes help Vinicius went on loan from Napoli – who did not seem to think he was refined enough – to Rio Ave in the Portuguese top division Primera Liga.
At Rio Ave Vinicius began to shine, with eight goals in just 14 contests, but a move midseason to Monaco stunted his growth as he began sitting behind Radamel Falco. After an uneventful time in Monaco, Vinicius was signed by Benfica and again began to shine. Just six minutes into his first match for Benfica Vinicius had scored and within months the club President was talking up this near £90 million buyout.