Real Madrid and Manchester United have “sent scouts” to watch SL Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva
Manchester United and Spanish giants Real Madrid are amongst the clubs who have “sent scouts” to watch SL Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva.
The 19-year-old’s current contract with the Eagles runs until the summer of 2027. It also includes a €100 million release clause. Apart from the Red Devils, Premier League rivals Liverpool and European giants Napoli and Borussia Dortmund are also monitoring the defender.
CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs in his column for CaughtOffside (h/t Manchester Evening News), revealed that the Old Trafford side had the Portugal international on their radar. However, there is nothing concrete yet regarding the youngster.
“Silva is contracted until 2027 with a €100m release clause. Real Madrid, Liverpool, Dortmund, Napoli and Manchester United are among the clubs who have recently sent scouts to see Silva play.
“But there’s nothing to get too excited about just yet. It’s normal to watch top young players at this stage of the season and it will take time before it’s clear if any club moves.”
Silva made his way through the youth ranks at the Primeira Liga outfit. In the current campaign, the centre-back has broken onto the scene and has caught a lot of people’s attention with some impressive displays.
Benfica are flying high this season. Roger Schmidt’s team have lost just once in the league in the current campaign. They have also reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League after beating Club Brugge.
The 19-year-old defender has been pivotal to the Eagles’ success this term. He has made 33 appearances in all competitions, finding the back of the net three times.
Madrid have the likes of Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Nacho who can play as centre-backs. It remains to be seen whether they will make a move for Silva in the near future.
As for United, Erik ten Hag has an abundance of talent in the backline. Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are the gaffer’s preferred duo in defence. As a result, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have found themselves on the bench most often.
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Therefore, it would not come as a surprise if our captain or the Swedish national decided to leave the club. In that case, a young and talented defender like the 19-year-old Benfica star is a decent option to have on our radar.
