Bayern Munich and Manchester United Battle for Benfica Star Antonio Silva
Bayern Munich and Manchester United are both eyeing a summer transfer move for Benfica center-back Antonio Silva, with the German champions hoping to convince the player to snub United and join them at the Allianz Arena.
Silva, who is priced at around €70-80m, has caught the attention of both clubs, with United already in talks to bring the Portuguese defender to Old Trafford. The Red Devils have sent scouts to watch Silva in action for Benfica, as they look to overhaul their squad under the new football operations led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The 23-year-old Silva has spent his entire senior career at Benfica, making 81 appearances for the club and helping them win the Portuguese top-flight title last season. He was also named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year and has been capped seven times by Portugal, featuring in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Bayern Munich, on the other hand, have had Silva on their wishlist for quite some time and are impressed with his development. Despite his release clause being around €100m, Benfica may be open to a sale for a lower price, making him an attractive target for both clubs.
If Silva were to join Manchester United, he would follow in the footsteps of Victor Lindelof, who also made the move from Benfica to Old Trafford in 2017. The possibility of linking up with fellow Portuguese stars Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot could sway Silva towards United, but Bayern Munich will be hoping to convince him to choose the Bundesliga instead.
With both clubs vying for his signature, it remains to be seen where Silva will end up this summer. But one thing is for sure – he is a highly sought-after talent with a bright future ahead of him in European football.