Antonio Silva is expected to leave Benfica in the summer, and Manchester United are among those linked with a move.
According to Corriere da Manha via Sport Witness, Antonio Silva seems sure to leave Benfica this summer. The €100 million-rated defender has the interest of many top clubs across the continent, including that of Manchester United who had been chasing the defender for some time now.
Antonio Silva expected to leave Benfica
Reports in Portugal suggest Antonio Silva has made up his mind about leaving Benfica, and the club is also open to selling him. The Portuguese side is eager to raise money in the transfer window and could see the sale of the €100 million-rated defender as a business operation they would like to undertake.
His release clause could become a significant stumbling block in Benfica’s attempts to get a fee close to that €100 million mark. Benfica have not had the best of campaigns, although Silva has been a silver lining for them. Yet, clubs are unlikely to pay anywhere else due to that release clause, meaning they will look for a cheaper deal with the Portuguese giants.
Manchester United have been interested in Silva for quite some time now, with club scouts coming in with high recommendations for the Portuguese international defender. The Red Devils are also linked with his Benfica teammate Joao Neves, but right now, they might prioritise a move for the defender.
Given that Benfica are ready to sell him, Manchester United will undoubtedly try to negotiate the price down, although they will be wary of growing interest in the defender. Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are a few of the teams keen, while a few others from the Premier League might also enter the race once his price point becomes more apparent.
Manchester United’s defensive changes
Manchester United could see a host of defensive changes in the squad, with Raphael Varane the only contracted star set to leave. Potential exits for the likes of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof could also occur. There are suggestions that the Red Devils might also consider offers for Harry Maguire, and Aaron Wan-Bissake is also expected to depart.
They could bring in at least two new centre-backs, while a replacement for Wan-Bissaka could also be on the cards. Hence, someone like Silva could enhance their backline and could emerge as a long-term partner for Lisandro Martinez in that Manchester United backline.
