Manchester United are reportedly optimistic of signing 20-year-old Portuguese defensive prospect Antonio Silva from SL Benfica for less than €100 million this summer.
According to a report by O Jogo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Antonio Silva remains the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils want to sign another centre-back in the summer transfer window despite landing Leny Yoro. And they are confident they can secure the services of the 20-year-old defensive prospect for less than his release clause of €100 million.
The rise of Antonio Silva
Antonio Silva has established himself as one of the best young defensive prospects in the world since breaking into the first-team squad at SL Benfica as a highly-rated teenager. A native of Viseu, he has been with SL Benfica since 2016 and rapidly progressed through the ranks at the famous Portuguese club before making his first-team bow.
The 20-year-old has turned out nearly 100 times thus far for SL Benfica while chipping in with seven goals. In addition, Silva is a regular for the Portuguese national side and has made 13 appearances for the Seleccao. Meanwhile, the youngster’s exploits for his club and country have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe.
Widespread reports have linked the Portuguese international with Premier League bigwigs like Arsenal and Liverpool. However, Antonio Silva’s likeliest destination in England will be Manchester United, with the Red Devils tailing him for a long time.
Manchester United move on the horizon?
Manchester United’s interest in Antonio Silva is understandable. The Red Devils have already signed a centre-back in the summer transfer window, with Leny Yoro arriving from LOSC Lille. However, Manchester United remain in the market for a central defender amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Victor Lindelof.
Silva is thus a viable target for Manchester United, although his release clause of €100 million is a stumbling block. However, the Premier League heavyweights are convinced they can secure his services for less than €100 million.
Benfica’s financial situation is not strong, with Joao Neves likely leaving for Paris Saint-Germain for less than his release clause. That might have given Manchester United the impetus to pursue a move worth less than €100 million for the 20-year-old Portuguese defensive prospect.
