According to multiple sources, Bournemouth are on the verge of signing Antonio Silva from Benfica. There is already a full agreement between the Cherries and the player’s representatives, and an agreement between the clubs is said to be “close”. It is widely believed that Benfica are holding off from confirming the sale until their Europa League qualifications tie against St. Gallen is over. The second leg takes place on July 30th.
Still only 22, Silva rose through the youth ranks at Benfica – the only club he has played for so far – and joined the first team in 2022. The young centre-back has gone on to make a total of 181 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals and assisting another eight. He also has 20 caps as a Portugal international under his belt.
After selling Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid and Ilya Zabarnyi to Paris Saint-Germain last summer, Bournemouth have now lost Marco Senesi who has joined Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer, and they’re obviously in need of reinforcements in the centre-back department.
🚨 BREAKING: Bournemouth closing in on the signing of Benfica defender Antonio Silva. Silva has now agreed personal terms.
Benfica’s plan is to sanction a sale after their Europa League playoff with St Gallen. Club-to-club talks already advanced.
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— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 21, 2026
