In a recent report, O Jogo stated that Newcastle United are unlikely to move in for Benfica starlet Antonio Silva this summer. It has been claimed that the Magpies are unwilling to pay Benfica’s £85m asking price for the talented defender.
Silva’s Impressive Rise In Portuguese Football
The 19-year-old has come through the youth ranks of Benfica and has done well to prove his worth as a reliable performer at the heart of their defence. Silva has already made 46 senior appearances for the Portuguese outfit thus far, scoring five goals in various competitions.
The Portuguese defensive ace was a rock at the back and deserves a ton of credit for averaging 1.9 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 2.9 clearances per 90 minutes in Liga Portugal. He was even excellent when distributing possession from inside his half after making 91.5% of his attempted passes in the Portuguese first division (stats via whoscored).
His current deal at the Portuguese club will expire in 2027. Thus, Newcastle would find it difficult to convince Benfica to sell their prized asset before the end of this transfer window.
Newcastle United Are Unlikely To Move In For Silva: Right Call By Eddie Howe?
Silva can scan the danger well and is not shy of getting stuck in with a few solid tackles to make life tough for the opposition attackers. He is a tough-tackling centre-half who can make some timely interceptions for his side.
The Portuguese defender usually puts his foot through the ball when in danger of being caught out at the back. However, there are some question marks over whether he would be able to adapt to the physical side and high intensity of Premier League football.
At 19, Silva has the potential to become a future star at the highest level. Newcastle United have got the financial power to pull off a deal for the Benfica ace this summer.
However, Eddie Howe has already made some marquee acquisitions this summer and would struggle to cope with the Financial Fair Play regulations if the Magpies decide to match Benfica’s £85m price tag for Silva.
With all things considered, it seems like the Tyneside giants have made the right call by not making a big-money move to sign the Portuguese centre-back.
