Bournemouth are closing in on the signing of highly rated Portuguese defender António Silva from Benfica, with the transfer now at its final stages. The 22-year-old centre-back is expected to travel to England for his medical before completing the move.
Reports put the agreement at around €25 million, potentially rising with add-ons. Benfica had been preparing for Silva’s departure for several weeks, with Portuguese reports previously indicating that Bournemouth were working towards an offer worth around €25 million.
Silva leaves Benfica after spending more than a decade at the club, progressing through its academy before becoming a first-team regular. He made his senior debut during the 2022/23 campaign and went on to establish himself as one of Portugal’s most highly regarded young defenders.
The defender also captained Benfica in their recent Europa League qualifier against St. Gallen, with reports indicating that the match was his farewell appearance before his move to the Premier League.
For Bournemouth, the deal represents an intriguing piece of business. Silva has already accumulated significant senior and European experience despite being only 22, making the move considerably different from signing an untested young prospect. Bournemouth supporters have also been discussing the transfer as potentially one of the club’s smartest pieces of business this summer.
His arrival should give Bournemouth another technically capable option at centre-back, with his ability to play out from the back complementing his physical qualities.
The move also comes at an important point in Bournemouth’s preparations for the new Premier League season, as the club continues to strengthen its squad while looking for value in the transfer market.
