Manchester United are reportedly keen on signing 20-year-old Portuguese defender Antonio Silva from Benfica next summer.
Antonio Silva is regarded as one of the finest young defenders in European football, and he is expected to join a big club in the near future. German journalist Florian Plettenberg has claimed that Manchester United are prioritising a move for the 20-year-old at the end of the season. But they might have to pay his €100 million release clause to get the deal done.
Silva has a long-term contract with Benfica, and the Portuguese outfit are unlikely to let him leave for cheap, considering he has a €100 million release clause. Manchester United need a quality central defender like him, and Silva could be a key player for them in the long run.
The Red Devils currently have Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, and Lisandro Martinez as the only reliable defenders at the club. Maguire and Varane have been linked with exits from Old Trafford, and Silva could be the ideal replacement.
The 20-year-old has proven himself in the Primeira Liga, and he will want to try out a new challenge. A move to the Premier League will be an exciting opportunity for him, and he will want to test himself at the highest level.
❗️🆕 X News António #Silva: The 20 y/o central defender from SL Benfica is the absolutely top target for ManUtd for summer 2024!
➡️ #MUFC already keen on contract details and the plans of the top talent
➡️ €100m release clause next year!Benfica expect him to leave the… pic.twitter.com/Nj3qwxdEMR
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 27, 2023
Regular football in the Premier League could accelerate his development and help him fulfil his potential. The 20-year-old Portuguese international has all the attributes to develop into award class central defender.
Even though the €100 million release clause might seem quite steep, Silva could be the mainstay of the Manchester United defence for the next decade. He could end up justifying the investment in the long run.
The 20-year-old needs to join a club where he will get ample first-team action, and he needs a manager who can nurture him into a star player. Erik ten Hag could be the ideal manager for him. The Dutchman did an impressive job to develop young talents at Ajax, and he could play a key role in the development of Silva as well.
The 20-year-old central defender has been linked with other European bigwigs as well, and it remains to be seen whether Manchester United can steal a March on their rivals and get the deal done in the next few months. Manchester United need quality players to match up to the European elite, and signing Silva will help them put together a formidable squad for the future.