Benfica Transfer Market: António Silva Heads to England

António Silva is indeed set to depart Benfica for Bournemouth in a transfer that, at this moment, appears irreversible. The 22-year-old center-back and his representatives have been working on an agreement with the English club, and as A BOLA previously reported, a deal between the player and Bournemouth has already been reached.

From Benfica's side, there's also a green light for the deal, albeit with one condition: António Silva must remain available to play tomorrow in Switzerland, for the first leg of the Europa League's second qualifying round against St. Gallen. There might still be an opening for the center-back to stay for the second leg, depending on how the match in Switzerland unfolds.

The figures for the imminent transfer are not yet known but are expected to be around €20 million. António Silva received a contract renewal offer, which all indications suggest he will not accept. Benfica increased their initial offer to €1.2 million net per year, but the financial terms and other negotiation details were reportedly insufficient to convince the player, whose contract with the club expires next season, making him free to negotiate with other clubs from January.

António Silva is expected to start tomorrow alongside Lenglet against St. Gallen, in what could be his final game for the club he has represented since the 2016/17 season. Given this scenario, Benfica's SAD (Sociedade Anónima Desportiva) is already active in the market, prioritizing the signing of another center-back.