Liverpool Join Race To Sign This Benfica Star: Will They Break The Bank? | OneFootball

Emerged from the academy of Benfica, Antonio Silva broke into the senior side for the first time in the 2022-23 season. In a short span, he managed to impress the management and earn the faith. He has become an integral part of the side at a young age.

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 08: Antonio Silva of SL Benfica reacts during the UEFA Champions League match between Real Sociedad and SL Benfica at Reale Arena on November 08, 2023 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Silva has been instrumental in keeping Benfica’s league title hopes alive. He has featured in 50 games and netted twice in the process. He is averaging 2 tackles, 0.7 interceptions, and 3.4 clearances per game (stats via whoscored).

The Portuguese is accurate with his tackles and is great at winning the ball back. He is an intelligent defender, who focuses on positioning and reads the game well. He is also a passing monster, allowing the side to build attacks from the back.

Will Liverpool break the bank?

Antonio Silva has all the traits to play for a major European club. With proper guidance and more games under his belt, he could turn into an elite defender in the future. Hence, many clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are interested in signing him.

From the latter’s point of view, Joel Matip will become a free agent following this season and they will have to bring in a replacement. The pursuit of Silva could actually be a good move considering his quality. The youngster can also be a long-term investment.

However, Benfica are unlikely to entertain any offer below €100 million for the hot property. The Portuguese outfit is a tough club to negotiate with. Hence, the Reds might hesitate to spend a large sum on Silva as they also have other areas to improve for the next campaign.