Real Madrid will unlikely launch the offensive to sign Antonio Silva from SL Benfica in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Antonio Silva is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. Liverpool, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich are also keen on signing the Portuguese international in the summer transfer window. However, his price tag of €100 million has compelled Los Blancos to walk away from the chase, with Liverpool and Bayern his likely destinations.
The rise and rise of Antonio Silva
Antonio Silva has established himself as one of the best young prospects in the world in the last few years. A graduate of the fabled SL Benfica youth division, he broke into the first-team squad at the Portuguese club as an 18-year-old. Since then, he has come leaps and bounds, becoming a regular at the back for Benfica.
The youngster has also broken into the Portuguese national team, making nine appearances thus far for the Seleccao. Meanwhile, the 20-year-old has turned out nearly 100 times for Benfica, chipping in with seven goals. Silva’s progress at Benfica has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
A man in demand
Liverpool will delve into the market for a centre-back in the summer transfer window to replace Joel Matip. The Cameroonian defender will leave the Merseyside club as a free agent in the coming weeks. So, Silva has emerged as a viable target to occupy Matip’s soon-to-be vacant spot in Liverpool’s defensive department.
As for Manchester United, they will part ways with Raphael Varane in the summer transfer window, with the Frenchman becoming a free agent on July 1. In addition, Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire face an uncertain future at Old Trafford. So, Antonio Silva is an option worth considering for Manchester United.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese international has also been a target for Real Madrid for a long time. However, Benfica will point to Silva’s release clause of €100 million to sell him in the summer transfer window. That has compelled Real Madrid to walk away from the chase while boosting Liverpool and Manchester United’s prospects.
The report has claimed that Silva’s likely destinations are Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Manchester United will not offer UEFA Champions League football, thus leaving them in a spot of bother in the race to sign the €100 million-rated centre-back.
