Benfica’s defender, Antonio Silva, appears to be uninterested in a transfer to England, despite reported attention from Liverpool and Manchester United. According to the latest report from Liverpool Echo, while Silva appreciates the interest from these clubs, he isn’t particularly drawn to either of them. Instead, it’s suggested that his preferred destination is Real Madrid.
It seems that the young player is in no hurry to depart from Benfica, and his relaxed stance on the matter has not caused any concern for his current club. It’s worth noting that Silva has a hefty €120 million (£103 million) release clause, which would need to be triggered if any club wishes to secure his services.
Silva’s Impressive Season with Benfica Thus Far
Antonio Silva made his breakthrough into Benfica’s first team just last season but has quickly established himself as a promising talent and a regular squad member, thanks to a string of strong performances in the defensive line. In the current season, he has already found the back of the net once for the Portuguese side, featuring in eight matches across all competitions.
The Portuguese international has been outstanding in his defensive duties, boasting averages of 3.4 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, and 4.0 clearances per game in Liga Portugal. Furthermore, his ability to distribute the ball from the back has been exceptional, with a remarkable 94% pass completion rate in the top tier of Portuguese football (statistics sourced from whoscored).
Should Jurgen Klopp Convince Him To Join Liverpool?
Silva displays a strong ability in tackling and possesses the timing to execute challenges effectively, allowing him to regain possession for his team in the defensive third of the field. He adopts a low-risk approach when clearing the ball from danger, preferring safety over unnecessary risks. With a towering height of 1.87 meters, he commands the aerial battles, making him a threat during set-piece situations.
At just 19 years old, Silva perfectly embodies the modern prototype of a ball-playing defender, showcasing proficiency in playing out from the back. His acquisition would undoubtedly introduce healthy competition within Jurgen Klopp‘s defensive ranks, as he could serve as an understudy to the likes of Virgil Van Dijk while steadily progressing into one of Europe’s top defenders.
Liverpool’s transfer strategy has consistently favored players with the potential for future growth, and Silva appears to align with this philosophy. Therefore, it would be prudent for Klopp to make a compelling case to lure him to Anfield.
