Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Portuguese prodigy Antonio Silva, valued at £52 million by Benfica, at the end of the season.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are looking to improve their defensive options. And 19-year-old Benfica defender Antonio Silva has been identified as a summer target.
The Portuguese whizkid is reportedly on Jurgen Klopp’s radar as the Liverpool manager looks to add more quality and depth to his back four. Joel Matip’s injury issues have been a concern for Liverpool, and Joe Gomez has not been at his best this season.
Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk are the only reliable defenders at the Merseyside club right now. But the young Frenchman has had his fair share of injury problems. So it is imperative that Liverpool bring in a quality centre-back during the summer transfer window. And it remains to be seen whether they can agree on a fee with the Portuguese outfit.
The player is reportedly valued at £52 million, and he has been linked with Manchester United in the past. The 19-year-old has a long-term contract with Benfica, and Benfica are unlikely to sanction his departure for a nominal price. So Liverpool will have to pay a premium to sign the player, and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops.
The Premier League giants are in need of a number of reinforcements, especially in the midfield. It remains to be seen whether the club hierarchy are willing to back Klopp in the transfer market at the end of the season. Considering their spending patterns, Liverpool might not keep aside £52 million for a defensive target.
Silva is highly rated in Portuguese football, and he has a massive future ahead of him. At just 19 years old, the young defender has his best years ahead of him, and he could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition for Liverpool.
Klopp has an impressive track record of improving young players, and a move to Anfield could accelerate Silva’s development. But it will be interesting to see if Liverpool shell out £52 million to secure the services of the Portuguese whizkid in 2023.
