Liverpool have made contact to sign thw 20-year old defender, Antonio Silva from Benfica. The Portuguese is in heavy demand in the market coming off a brilliant season in Liga Portugal. However, Liverpool are not the only Premier League side interested to sign the 20-year old. Arsenal and Manchester United are also keeping tabs on Silva’s situation.
Silva has excellent composure and ability on the ball. Moreover, the Portuguese maintained a decent pass accuracy of more than 90% throughout the season. Additionally, the 20-year old’s passing has been very progressive which is a big plus for any top team.
The Portuguese international is an adept center back with a great tackle. His ability to win ground duels is rather remarkable. A little improvement on his aerial ability will make him a genuinely good defender.
Antonio Silva’s rise at Benfica
Antonio Silva joined Benfica’s youth academy in 2016. The Portuguese began his professional career with Benfica B in 2022. However, Silva impressed newly arrived Head Coach Roger Schmidt and started training with the first team in the same season.
Moreover, an injury crisis at the back created a vacancy. Antonio Silva made the most of the opportunity to play alongside Nicolas Otamendi. Silva’s career continued to soar with his rise. The Portuguese helped Benfica to win the Liga Portugal in 2022-23 season winning the Defender of the Month in September and October/November.
Silva also clinched the Supertaca Candido de Oliveira with Benfica in 2023. The 20-year old made it into the Liga Portugal Team of the Year 2022-23 for his consistency. The Portuguese made 43 appearances in all competitions this season helping his side to a 2nd place finish with 80 points.
Additionally, Silva won his first international cap for Portugal in a friendly in November 2022. Moreover, Silva holds the record for being the youngest ever player to represent Portugal in World Cup football. The 20-year old has already made 98 club appearances and won 9 international caps in his career.
Liverpool not the only one: European heavyweights lurking around Benfica defender
Liverpool are not the only club wanting to sign the 20-year old defender from Benfica. Silva has gained attention from Arsenal and Manchester United too. The Gunners recently made enquiry for the young defender. However, the Reds are already said to be in contact. Moreover, the Red Devils want Silva to reinforce their backline.
Nevertheless, Silva has also attracted French Champions Paris Saint Germain and Real Madrid. Les Parisiens are certainly capable of making a fair offer whilst Los Blancos may lure away the defender with the promise of glory.
However, Silva has made it clear that he wants a move to the Premier League. Henceforth, a three-legged race between Arsenal, Liverpool and United could emerge.
Where will Silva go?
Arsenal could be a good place to go for the Portuguese. Silva could partner up with William Saliba and make the Gunners rock solid at the back. The Gunners have already announced themselves as title contenders over the past couple of years. Addition of Silva to the squad may just be the missing puzzle piece at the Emirates.
Liverpool are another great option for Silva. With Joel Matip is leaving the club, Silva may find enough gametime at Anfield. Moreover, the 20-year old could learn from the likes of Virgil Van Dijk and could be a good long-term investment for the Reds. However, recent changes in staff and coaching at Anfield could become a factor.
A move to Old Trafford for Manchester United could be an appropriate choice. Raphael Varane announced his departure and United’s backline isn’t getting any younger. Silva could sign on for the Red Devils and establish himself as a key player at the Theatre of Dreams.
While it remains unclear where Silva’s destination will be, we could be witnessing an interesting transfer battle for the talented 20-year old defender.
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