Liverpool are looking for a new centre-back this summer.
Indeed, according to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds are working on a deal to sign a new centre-half, and now, there’s been a suggestion that Benfica’s Antonio Silva is someone the Reds could sign.
The Benfica defender is one of the most highly-rated young defenders in Europe, and Liverpool are said to be keen.
Liverpool favourites to sign Antonio Silva
According to SportsLens, Liverpool are in pole position in the race to sign Antonio Silva this summer.
This report states that Benfica are resigned to the idea of losing Silva, and he could be one of Arne Slot’s first signings at Liverpool with an opening offer potentially soon to come.
Liverpool, of course, need defensive reinforcements after letting Joel Matip go, and Silva could be just what the doctor ordered.
Young, talented and very quick, Silva could be ideal for the Reds.
Indeed, the ‘incredible‘ defender is one of the fastest defenders in the game. In fact, The Speeds Database clock him as being even faster than Phil Foden.
Liverpool could have the edge in Antonio Silva race
Liverpool are said to be favourites to sign Silva, and they could have an ace up their sleeve in negotiations here.
Julian Ward’s return to Liverpool could really help the Reds land Silva as he’s good friends with Benfica’s President, Rui Costa.
Speaking on The Redmen TV last year, Neil Jones noted just how close Ward and Costa are.
“Rui Costa, it’s funny you mention him, I know Julian Ward is on his way out, but he has a good relationship with Julian Ward,” Jones said.
“I’ve heard Julian Ward speak about Rui Costa and their conversations in the past, not about players, but Julian was involved with the Portuguese FA so it’s that sort of thing. It ticks a lot of boxes there.”
With Ward back in the picture at Liverpool, it may be easy for the Reds to broker some sort of deal here as the line of communication between Costa and Ward already open.