EXCLUSIVE: Antonio Silva set to stay at Benfica amid Newcastle, PSG, and Liverpool interest

Updated: 18 Aug 2023 10:49 BST
3 min read

Antonio Silva is set to stay at Benfica despite interest from Paris-Saint Germain, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

The centre-back is one of the hottest prospects at Gestifute, Jorge Mendes’ behemoth agency, but at this stage, the 19-year-old will remain at the Estadio da Luz for another season at least.

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Liverpool had looked at the defender in January, as FootballTransfer revealed, but they will be investing a large portion of their funds into obtaining another marquee midfielder this window.

At the present moment, if any, the Reds would be the most likely side to obtain Silva, but Jurgen Klopp would have to greenlight some €90m as Benfica want to see his release clause met entirely, we are told.

Liverpool also have the added advantage of having a good relationship with the Portuguese side, after the two clubs' lengthy discussions last year over the purchase of Darwin Nunez, who eventually joined the Reds for €80m inclusive of add-ons.

PSG sporting advisor Luis Campos is a big fan of Silva. Still, his side are not prepared to invest any more in the defence having already bought Milan Skriniar, who joined from Inter on a free transfer, and Lucas Hernadez, who arrived from Bayern Munich for €45m.

The club’s focus is on securing the signings of Bradley Barcola and Randal Kolo Muani as they contend with the losses of Lionel Messi and Neymar.

© ProShots - PSG acquired Skriniar from Inter

Newcastle's Portugal activities

We understand that Newcastle have been busy in Portugal over the past couple of months but it looks like their business is over now, following the signing of Lewis Hall from Chelsea, on a loan with an obligation buy basis.

Silva is one that Newcastle looked at, as has been reported elsewhere, but sources in Portugal tell us that it was more Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio they greatly admired and were even readying an offer.

The defender eventually signed fresh terms at Sporting, raising his modest €45m release clause to €60m with a fresh contract. Neither player looks likely to be making a move from their respective clubs anytime soon.