Liverpool are reportedly chasing Benfica youngster Antonio Silva, and they could enter a complicated transfer hunt with other clubs interested.
According to O Jogo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Liverpool are keeping tabs on Antonio Silva’s development. The Premier League giants remain interested, but so are other top teams in the continent, making this hunt for the defender a complex battle.
Liverpool have plenty of work to do in the transfer market to improve their squad. The current team went close to winning at least four major trophies last season. But there has been a visible decline in their efforts since the current campaign began. And Jurgen Klopp would like solutions.
Liverpool have seemingly focused on refreshing their attacking lineup in the last two windows. Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez arrived in January and summer, respectively. But the other areas, such as midfield and central defence, may also need attention, as some stars are ageing and need a revamp.
That is not to say Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip have declined altogether. Instead, Liverpool might look to bring in a young player to learn and develop under those veterans. And seems they want Benfica’s 18-year-old rising star, Antonio Silva.
Top clubs are chasing the centre-back, and it will be a matter of time before he leaves Portugal. Recently, Benfica president Rui Costa stated he would not negotiate for the 18-year-old with clubs, hinting at his €100 million release clause.
Such a sum would be difficult to shell out for Liverpool, who may rely upon their previous relations with Benfica. While they continue to look at players at the Portuguese club, including Florentino Luis and Enzo Fernandez, Silva would be a shrewd investment keeping the future in mind.
Some clubs linked with Silva are Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG. They can easily afford to pay huge fees for young players. But Liverpool may struggle to compete. However, the race is open and would depend on the player’s wish.
It will be interesting to see if Liverpool can beat the competition from the Spanish clubs and secure the youngster’s services in the coming months. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid will attractive options for the Portuguese player, and they have a history of bringing in talented young players and developing them into superstars.
Liverpool are certainly an attractive option, but they will find it complex to prise the player away financially. For now, Benfica seems relaxed about Silva’s situation, as he has a contract until 2027.
