La Liga champions Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Portuguese defensive sensation Antonio Silva, who has a release clause worth €100 million.
According to a report by Portuguese outlet Record, Antonio Silva is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The reigning La Liga champions view the Portuguese defensive sensation as a central defensive solution. But they will not trigger his release clause, worth €100 million, to sign him.
Antonio Silva is one of the brightest young prospects in his homeland. The 19-year-old started his youth career at CF Os Repesenses before spending a year with Viseu United. But his stock has risen after joining Benfica’s fabled youth division in 2016. And after rising through the ranks, he made his first-team debut last year.
Silva has taken little time to establish himself as a regular for Benfica. And he has chipped in with three goals in 32 appearances across all competitions thus far this season. The Portuguese defensive sensation’s progress has not gone unnoticed either, with Real Madrid among his prospective suitors.
Real Madrid will likely invest in a centre-back in the summer transfer window. That is because Nacho will likely leave as a free agent as things stand. Contract renewal talks between the Spanish international and Real Madrid have not progressed much. And with several clubs interested, his future likely lies elsewhere.
In addition, David Alaba is on the wrong side of 30 and has struggled with fitness issues this term. So Real Madrid will need to dip into the market for a centre-back for the fourth successive summer transfer window. Josko Gvardiol has thus emerged as the top target for the reigning La Liga champions.
But with other clubs also interested and RB Leipzig keen on keeping hold of him, the Merengues need to keep their options open. Antonio Silva has thus emerged as a viable alternative for Real Madrid. But Los Blancos will not trigger his release clause, worth €100 million, to prise him away from Benfica.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid will likely face competition from Liverpool for the 19-year-old. But it is unlikely that any club will shell out €100 million to sign the Portuguese defensive sensation. It will be interesting to see if any club will launch the offensive for Silva in the summer.