Parc des Princes, Paris, France - October 11, 2022. Paris St Germain's Kylian Mbappe in action with Benfica's Antonio Silva.
Liverpool are keen on signing young Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva, but face stiff competition for his services, according to a recent transfer report.
The Lowdown: Silva rumour emerges
The 19-year-old has emerged as an exciting player in Portugal, already becoming a key man for Benfica and starting 17 Primeira Liga games this season.
Not only that but he also started all six of their Champions League group stages matches, averaging 4.2 clearances per game and an 89.8% pass completion rate in the competition.
Silva has been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent days and now a further update has swiftly emerged.
The Latest: Liverpool face competition
According to Football Transfers, Silva is indeed on the Reds’ list of centre-back targets this summer, as Jurgen Klopp looks to boost his options in that area. Goncalo Inacio, Josko Gvardiol and Jarrad Branthwaite are also mentioned as potential targets.
The teenager’s current Benfica deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2027, so a sizeable fee is likely to be required to prise him away, with Chelsea and Manchester United also mentioned in the report.
The Verdict: Massive prospect
There is no question that Liverpool need a new centre-back this summer, with one of Joe Gomez or Joel Matip potentially moving on, according to reports.
In Silva, the Reds could have the perfect option to bring in, with the two-time capped Portugal international already a key figure at a big club but also a long-term acquisition.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has said that Silva is ‘going to be a superstar’ and he could be viewed as Ibrahima Konate’s defensive partner once Virgil van Dijk eventually moves on.
He also appeared once at the 2022 World Cup, winning two aerial duels, showing that he is already breaking onto the world stage, despite his tender years.
About the Author
