Incoming Liverpool manager Arne Slot is reportedly prioritising a summer move for Antonio Silva, a target for Real Madrid.
According to a report by Give Me Sport, Antonio Silva is the subject of interest from Liverpool. The Reds are scoring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window. And Arne Slot is prioritising a move for the Portuguese international, with Real Madrid also in the hunt.
The rise and rise of Antonio Silva
Antonio Silva has been one of the best young players in the world in the last few years. A graduate of the fabled SL Benfica youth division, the 20-year-old became a regular for the Portuguese giants as a teenager. He has come leaps and bounds in recent seasons, becoming a regular for his club and country.
The Portuguese international has turned out nearly 100 times thus far for Benfica, chipping in with seven goals. Meanwhile, Silva’s progress at his club has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Liverpool and Real Madrid. Meanwhile, the youngster will likely cost around £85 million.
A man in demand
Liverpool will delve into the market for a centre-back in the summer transfer window. The Reds are parting ways with Joel Matip as a free agent when his contract expires on July 1. In addition, Ibrahima Konate has been sub-par for much of the 2023/24 season, while Virgil van Dijk is on the wrong side of 30.
So, it behoves Liverpool to invest in a young centre-back who can be a long-term solution at the heart of the defence. Antonio Silva has thus emerged as a viable target for Liverpool. However, it is unclear if the Reds have the funds to cough up £85 million to secure his services. The price tag is also an issue for Real Madrid.
While the Merengues are keen on signing the 20-year-old Portuguese international, they do not want to break the bank to secure his services. So, Real Madrid will likely turn to other candidates to reinforce the backline.
As for Liverpool, with Arne Slot prioritising Antonio Silva’s acquisition, it will be interesting to see if they fork out £85 million to secure his services in the summer transfer window. Competition from Real Madrid seems unlikely.
