Benfica will likely listen to offers for 20-year-old Portuguese international Antonio Silva this summer amid his links with Real Madrid and Manchester United.
According to a report by Portuguese outlet Record, Antonio Silva might leave SL Benfica in the summer transfer window. Real Madrid and Manchester United are among the prospective suitors of the 20-year-old centre-back. Meanwhile, the youngster has a sizeable release clause of €100 million in his contract with Benfica.
The rise and rise of Antonio Silva
Antonio Joao Pereira de Albuquerque Tavares da Silva, better known as Antonio Silva, is one of the best young defensive prospects in the world. A native of Viseu, the youngster began his youth career at CF Os Repesenses but spent most of his formative years with SL Benfica, graduating from the famous Portuguese club’s youth division a few years ago.
The 20-year-old is now a regular for his club and country, having turned out nine times thus far for Portugal. Meanwhile, Silva has made nearly 100 appearances thus far for Benfica, chipping in with seven goals. In addition, the player’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe.
A move to either La Liga or the Premier League might be on the cards, with Real Madrid and Manchester United vying for Silva’s signature. In addition, the Benfica defender is a target for Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, the Portuguese giants are ready to cash in on the defensive whizkid, whose release clause is worth €100 million.
Big move on the horizon?
Manchester United’s interest in Antonio Silva is understandable. The Red Devils will likely part ways with Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans in the summer transfer window. In addition, Harry Maguire faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford. So, it behoves Manchester United to invest in a centre-back, with the Benfica defender emerging as a viable target.
As for Real Madrid, they will part ways with Nacho in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are on the wrong side of 30. So, Real Madrid can do with a young centre-back, with Silva being an option worth considering.
Manchester United and Real Madrid have the financial capacity to pay €100 million to secure Antonio Silva’s services. However, it will be interesting to see if they can negotiate a fee lower than €100 million to sign the 20-year-old Portuguese international in the summer transfer window.
