The latest Manchester United transfer news and gossip including an update on the situation of Antonio Silva
Manchester United have received an encouraging update from Benfica on the future of Antonio Silva.
The Reds’ reported interest in the 21-year-old dates back to 2023 shortly after breaking into the first team. The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain had linked with a move for Silva.
However, he went on to remain in Portugal for the next two years but could now be departing his homeland. According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, his departure from Lisbon this summer is ‘practically certain’ despite his €100 million (£84m) release clause.
So much so, Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have already tried to lure him away but have been unsuccessful. It’s reported that Silva rejected a lucrative five-year offer from the Saudi club.
Al Hilal reputedly offered the Portuguese defender €7million (£6m), while submitting a €45m (£38m) bid to Benfica. However, he is believed to have turned down a move to the Middle East, feeling it’s ‘too early’ to switch continents and reportedly preferring to stay in Europe.
Reds head coach Ruben Amorim would be familiar with Silva’s rise to Benfica’s first team, having faced their local rivals multiple times during his tenure at Sporting Clube de Portugal.
Last year, in an interview with the official club website, Benfica president Rui Costa admitted that ‘no Portuguese club can survive without sales’ ahead of the summer transfer window.
“Fortunately, in the space where we are [Benfica Campus], we have created the best talent Portugal has seen in years,” he said.
“Antonio [Silva] and Joao [Neves] are examples of this, and I’m sure there will be more to come. There’s been a lot of talk about these two players, but there’s nothing concrete because the market hasn’t started to move yet.
“No Portuguese club can survive without sales. What I’m trying to do is make the most of it financially with as few sales as possible. We will do everything we can not to breach financial fair play, and I will never put the club in that position.”
However, clubs should be aware that his release clause stands at €100million (£86m).
