Manchester United have made Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva one of their top targets to improve their defence, but it will cost them in excess of €100 million to land his services.
According to Fichajes, Manchester United have set their sights on talented Portuguese defender Antonio Silva in order to bolster their defensive line, but Benfica’s high asking price could be a stumbling block.
Silva has been one of the breakout stars of the 2022–23 season for Benfica, particularly in the Champions League matches against PSG and Juventus. He made 44 appearances in all competitions last season and helped Benfica win the Liga Portugal title last season, their first since the 2018–19 campaign.
The 19-year-old defensive prodigy has already featured in eight games this campaign, including the full 90 minutes of his side’s 1-0 win over Porto on Friday. Needless to say, his stellar performances are making quite a splash on the continent, with a transfer war already brewing for his services.
Recent reports have suggested Manchester United had sent scouts to watch the Benfica defender during the international break, with the Red Devils viewing him as a leading target in the middle of the defence for January.
United have identified a new centre-back among key areas of weakness to address in the next transfer window, with Erik ten Hag keen to add more youth in that area. The Dutch manager desperately needs to reinforce his backline with the news that Lisandro Martinez will need an operation on his foot, which could keep him out for months.
Harry Maguire’s future at the club remains up in the air, while Raphael Varane’s fitness record means more depth is required. The Red Devils re-signed veteran defender Jonny Evans on a short-term deal during the summer but are desperate for a long-term option.
And Silva fits the bill, with Spanish publication Fichajes claiming the Portugal international, who has also been linked with Liverpool and Real Madrid recently, has “become a prominent target” for Ten Hag.
The teenage defensive sensation is an archetypal old-fashioned centre-back from the yesteryears with his physical 6ft 2in frame, which makes him a menace in the air. He relishes the old-school style of defending and lives for the challenge of keeping the ball out of the net.
Playing for a progressive Benfica team, his buildup play and ball-playing attributes are already stellar, and he’s a threat with the ball at his feet as well.
However, the “main obstacle” for United will be Benfica’s asking price, with the Portuguese club not willing to let him leave at any price and have set an exit figure of €100 million.
Although the Portuguese giants are likely to find it a battle to keep him on a long-term basis, they are in a pretty strong position in terms of demanding big money for their prized asset, having tied him down to a new contract recently that runs until the summer of 2027.
