Milan's Portuguese move: €20m for Antonio Silva

Italian club Milan have turned to 22-year-old Portuguese defender Antonio Silva, of Benfica, to strengthen their defence. According to reports, Milan have made an offer to Benfica worth €20 million plus a further €5 million in bonuses for the player.

The offer marks an important stage in the process between the clubs. Benfica had previously turned down an initial bid worth €15 million plus bonuses; but the improved offer submitted last night is said to have convinced the Portuguese club. The two clubs are therefore very close to an agreement. Silva's contract, due to expire in 2027, lowered Benfica's negotiating power and helped the process move forward.

Represented by Jorge Mendes, Antonio Silva is reported to have said yes to the transfer. The player is expected to sign a five-year contract with Milan until 2031, worth just under €3 million per season. Having made his professional debut for Benfica in 2022 and played more than 100 games for the club, Silva was also part of Portugal's 2022 World Cup squad. Last season, however, he fell behind Otamendi and Tomás Araújo and saw his playing time reduced, missing out on the 2026 World Cup squad.

On Milan's side, the move stands out as part of a plan to build a Portuguese-flavoured squad. Under Portuguese head coach Ruben Amorim, the Rossoneri are making another Portuguese signing after Gonçalo Ramos. Silva is expected to play centrally in Milan's defence alongside Pavlović. A club from Saudi Arabia and two Premier League sides are also said to be interested in the young defender; for now, though, Milan appear to be the frontrunners.

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