Bournemouth is making significant strides towards strengthening its defensive line by acquiring Benfica's centre-back Antonio Silva. The proposed transfer, valued at approximately €30 million (£25.6m; $34.5m), is expected to see Silva undergo a medical this weekend before finalizing his move to the Premier League club.
Silva, who has one year remaining on his Benfica contract, brings a wealth of experience and accolades to Bournemouth. The defender, having made 29 Champions League appearances and six Europa League games, will add European pedigree to the team. His winning mentality is further highlighted by the four first-team trophies he won with Benfica, along with his participation in the Nations League for Portugal.
The young centre-back progressed through Benfica’s youth system before breaking into the first team in 2022. Since then, Silva has made 181 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals. Last season under Jose Mourinho, he featured 41 times across all competitions as Benfica finished third in the Primeira Liga.
With a national team pedigree that includes 20 caps and participation in major tournaments like the 2022 World Cup and 2024 European Championship, Silva is set to bring a level of experience and quality to Bournemouth. His admiration for former Benfica defender Ruben Dias, now at Manchester City, underscores his ambition to reach the top.
The signing of Silva comes on the heels of the departure of centre-back Marcos Senesi this summer following the conclusion of his contract with the club. Senesi has since joined Tottenham Hotspur. Should the deal be completed, Silva will become Bournemouth's second signing of the summer, following the arrival of striker Alvaro Rodriguez from Elche earlier this month.
