Manchester United are keen on having Antonio Silva in their ranks but the deal depends on possible departures.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Manchester United are keen on bolstering their defence in 2024. The Red Devils have struggled at the back this season for multiple reasons, and they want to sort things out by signing Benfica’s Antonio Silva.
The 20-year-old Portuguese international has gone from strength to strength over the past 18 months, and his impressive performances have attracted a lot of attention. Multiple cubs from across Europe want to sign Silva, whose contract with the Portuguese club runs until the summer of 2027.
Manchester United are one of the clubs that have been linked with the 20-year-old for a while now. They have been monitoring him and feel he could help solve their problems at the back. But, the fact that he has a €100 million release clause is something that could end up being a problem for the Red Devils.
According to the report, such a huge investment will only be possible if Manchester United manage to offload some of their players. While Silva is a top target for them to reinforce their backline in 2024, they might have to sign multiple centre-backs over the next two transfer windows.
There is no certainty about the long-term futures of Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans. At least two of them are expected to leave the club at the end of the season. As a result, they will have to invest a lot to ensure they have the much-needed quality at the club.
Meanwhile, there are concerns about whether Manchester United can afford to sign a €100 million-rated centre-back in the 2024 summer transfer window as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to complete the purchase of a 25% stake in the club.
The report suggests Manchester United will have to part ways with at least one of their high-profile centre-back before they make such an investment. Given the kind of wages Maguire and Varane are on, the departure of either of the players could help their cause.
