Manchester United are keeping tabs on Benfica’s 18-year-old Portuguese defender Antonio Silva, who has a £13 million release clause.
According to Daily Mirror, Manchester United are among some of the top clubs keeping an eye on Benfica’s 18-year-old Portuguese whizkid Antonio Silva. The young defender has a modest £13 million release clause in his current contract, which clubs might look to exploit.
Lionel Messi may have taken the plaudits for his attacking output against Benfica during the latest UEFA Champions League round. But there was another player who deserved credit. 18-year-old Portuguese whizkid Antonio Silva was a great presence at the back for Benfica.
The defender was instrumental in earning Benfica a draw against PSG. In general, his performances this term have caught the eye of some top clubs around the continent, with Manchester United among those keen. The Red Devils are keeping tabs on the teenager’s situation.
Real Madrid are interested in signing him. Considering he has a modest release clause of £13 million, many other clubs may also pounce. Benfica are working hard to renew terms with the 18-year-old defender and will be looking to increase the value of his exit clause.
Manchester United will certainly be looking to sign the defender in January. But Benfica might want to keep hold of the youngster until next summer. Erik ten Hag is keen on refreshing his defensive ranks in the next windows, with the focus measured on bringing in young players.
Silva is too young to be a regular straight away, and the 18-year-old Portuguese whizkid could gradually earn promotion up the ranks. Manchester United’s backline currently consists of formidable players such as Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. And Silva can certainly learn from those senior stars.
Meanwhile, Benfica will be aware of the growing interest in their young defender. Re-signing him to a new deal and hiking the release clause will be their primary focus. Otherwise, they might be resigned to losing him on the cheap next summer.
As the season progresses, and if Silva continues to perform admirably, more clubs might be in the mix to sign the highly-rated Portuguese youngster.
