Manchester United has finalized a deal to secure the services of a Portuguese defender. They are aiming to settle for a fee that is below the player’s release clause of €100 million.
Manchester United has reportedly reached an agreement to secure the signing of Portuguese defender Antonio Silva from Benfica, with hopes of negotiating a fee lower than his €100 million release clause. This potential deal marks Erik ten Hag’s first move for the summer transfer window and is seen as a significant breakthrough in United’s pursuit of defensive reinforcement.
According to trusted journalist Darragh Moloney, United has come to terms with Silva’s representatives. The 20-year-old center-back has been a target on United’s radar for some time as they aim to bolster their defensive capabilities.
The next step for Manchester United involves reaching an agreement with Benfica regarding Silva’s transfer fee, with the club aiming to pay less than the hefty release clause. Reports from Sky Sports Germany, specifically Florian Plettenberg, suggest that a fee between €70-€80 million could be agreed upon, considering Silva’s contract situation with Benfica, which has three more years to run.
Silva has garnered attention due to his impressive performances this season under Roger Schmidt’s management, contributing significantly to Benfica’s defensive solidity with 19 clean sheets in 48 appearances across various competitions. His adeptness in possession and tactical awareness have also earned him praise, with former Benfica academy member Felipe Coelho drawing comparisons between Silva and Manchester City’s Ruben Dias.
The interest from Manchester United isn’t new, as the club has been monitoring Silva for several transfer windows, receiving endorsements from key figures like Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo. Both players, who share the field with Silva for Portugal’s national team, have spoken positively about his abilities, fueling United’s desire to secure his services.
Silva’s international career has been promising, featuring in qualifiers for major tournaments like the European Championships and the FIFA World Cup. His potential inclusion in Roberto Martinez’s squad for the upcoming European Championships further underlines his rise as a promising defensive talent.
Overall, Manchester United’s pursuit of Antonio Silva represents a strategic move to address defensive vulnerabilities, backed by endorsements from influential figures within the club and the player’s impressive performances on both domestic and international stages.
