It will not take Manchester United fans long to fall in ‘love’ with the Red Devils target if he does indeed make the move to Old Trafford this summer.
At least, that is according to Antonio Silva’s head coach at international level.
And, if you were to look up the definition of a ‘modern central defender’, you’d see it accompanied with a photo of the silky, ball-playing 20-year-old with the passing range of a seasoned playmaker.
A 100 million euro release clause – or £85 million, if you like – perhaps makes a switch to Manchester United a little unlikely this summer.
Newspaper O Jogo reports that despite this, Manchester United are paying ‘particular attention’ to Silva.
And Portugal boss Roberto Martinez, who handed Silva the majority of his ten international caps to date, has no doubt that the Benfica youngster would quickly become a very popular figure in United red, not only for his raw talent but his spirit and personality too.
Antonio Silva is a Manchester United target
“He is a modern central defender. You would like him. You would love him,” former Everton and Belgium boss Martinez tells United legend Rio Ferdinand on his Vibe with Five show.
“(Silva is) comfortable with the ball. He clashes with big players, in big spaces. He already played in the Champions League at the age of 19.”
Silva was included in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year as Benfica won the title in 2023. His development has maintained it’s rapid pace since then, despite Roger Schmidt’s side losing the domestic crown to Ruben Amorim’s Sporting Lisbon.
Man United are in the market for both right-footed and left-footed central defenders this summer. The departure of Raphael Varane has United reportedly stepping up their interest in the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite, Leny Yoro and Jean-Clair Todibo, with Silva another right-footed option to take the Frenchman’s place.
United are also hot on the heels of Silva’s Benfica team-mate Joao Neves. And Martinez is ‘100 per cent’ convinced that the teenage midfielder would make the grade at Old Trafford, perhaps the ideal foil to Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.
Red Devils like Benfica and Portugal duo
“He’s an intelligent midfielder,” Martinez says of 19-year-old Neves. “He’s a (number) six who can be an eight. He can get into the box, (into) finishing situations, but his work is more about always (being) in the right positions centrally.
“He can receive the ball in any position, very strong with both feet, and he’s got a low sense of balance (which) allows him to protect the ball really well. (Neves) is someone who uses the short pass more than the long pass.
“He’s still 19. He’s a player who plays bigger games than his age.”