Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in signing Antonio Silva, with the player in no rush to leave Benfica.
According to Record via Sport Witness, Liverpool and Manchester United are among those keeping constant track of Antonio Silva ahead of possible approaches. The player remains well aware of their interest but is in no rush to leave Benfica.
Antonio Silva has grown in stature as part of this Benfica side. Coming from their youth academy, the 19-year-old defender dreams of captaining the Eagles at some stage and hence remains relaxed about his future, especially in light of the growing interest from top teams.
Silva’s rise has seen him become a regular for the Portuguese national team, with Roberto Martinez regularly calling him up into the squad. His displays for Benfica helped them win the league title last season and put him on the radar of some of the top sides, especially from the Premier League.
Liverpool and Manchester United are keen to sign him in the future, with the latter already thinking about a 2024 move for the 19-year-old defender. Erik ten Hag wants to strengthen his backline and views Silva as a long-term option for his side.
With Benfica protected by a massive €120 million release clause, Manchester United will have to pay over €100 million to convince the Portuguese side about a sale. With those things in mind, Benfica will feel relaxed about his situation and will not cave into the pressure from the Premier League side.
They also know Silva is aware of the growing interest, but the 19-year-old defender remains focused on his task with Benfica. In fact, the report states, the centre-back might even put the Premier League interest to one side and wait for a club like Real Madrid in the future.
Hence, if Real Madrid comes into the equation, Silva might leave the club, but Benfica will not come under any pressure to reduce their asking price. Liverpool are also part of the equation, with Jurgen Klopp looking at new centre-backs to revamp his ageing backline.
Ibrahima Konate may have a long-term future at the club, but the likes of Joel Matip and Virgil Van Dijk may have entered the last legs of their career. Klopp seems to be looking for a left-footed option in the market but may yet again settle for a right-footed centre-back if the player can play on both sides well.
Goncalo Inacio remains a target for Liverpool, but Silva may have a more promising profile than the Sporting CP defender. Hence, it’s no surprise to see the 19-year-old defender feature on the shortlist of so many top clubs, which could lead to a transfer battle next summer.
