Manchester United Eye Benfica’s Antonio Silva for Defensive Reinforcements
Manchester, UK – Manchester United are targeting Benfica’s highly-rated young defender, Antonio Silva, as they aim to bolster their defensive line this summer. The Red Devils have already secured the services of Leny Yoro for a substantial fee of up to £58.7 million, but manager Erik ten Hag remains keen on further fortifying the backline.
Antonio Silva: A Rising Star
Antonio Silva, 20, has been on United’s radar as a more affordable option. Despite having a release clause of £84 million, reports from Portugal suggest he could be available for around half that amount, making him a viable target for the Red Devils. Silva is under contract with Benfica until 2027 and has expressed his current focus on the Portuguese club. “I don’t know how next season will be, but my focus at the moment is on Benfica,” Silva stated.
United’s Defensive Targets
United’s interest in Silva comes as they face a modest transfer budget, which they hope to boost through player sales. The club has already offloaded several players, including Mason Greenwood to Marseille for €26 million and Álvaro Fernández to Benfica for €6 million.
Matthijs de Ligt: An Elusive Target
Matthijs de Ligt, regarded as one of the best defenders globally, remains a challenging target. The Dutch international joined Bayern Munich from Juventus for €67 million in 2022 and has been a standout performer. Last season, De Ligt made 22 appearances in the Bundesliga, scoring two goals and maintaining a solid defensive presence with a duel win rate of 59.6%. His potential transfer to United is complicated further by interest from Real Madrid, who are reportedly willing to offer £34 million for his services.
De Ligt’s impressive resume includes winning the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal with Bayern Munich, as well as multiple domestic titles with Juventus and Ajax. His leadership and defensive prowess make him a coveted asset, but Bayern Munich’s reluctance to sell for less than their asking price has stalled negotiations.
Jarrad Branthwaite: Everton’s Stalwart
Another target, Jarrad Branthwaite, has seen significant development during his loan spell at PSV Eindhoven. Last season, he made 35 appearances for Everton in the Premier League, scoring three goals and maintaining a solid defensive record with a duel win rate of 67.6%. Despite United’s interest, Everton’s valuation remains a sticking point.
Erik ten Hag’s Vision
Erik ten Hag, who has a reputation for developing young talent, is keen to build a robust defense capable of competing on multiple fronts. Under his guidance, United have already signed Leny Yoro, an 18-year-old French prospect from Lille. Yoro has been one of Ligue 1’s standout young defenders, making 32 appearances last season with a duel win rate of 62.4%.
Manchester United’s Upcoming Fixtures
United’s pre-season preparations are in full swing with friendly matches against Arsenal and Real Betis scheduled before their Community Shield clash against Manchester City on August 10. The Premier League campaign kicks off with a match against Fulham on August 16, followed by fixtures against Brighton, Liverpool, and Southampton.
Conclusion
While the pursuit of Antonio Silva remains a rumor at this stage, Manchester United’s activity in the transfer market highlights their commitment to strengthening their squad. With Erik ten Hag at the helm, the Red Devils are poised for an exciting season ahead as they seek to reclaim their status among Europe’s elite.
