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epa11320716 Benficas Antonio Silva applauds to fans after losing the Portuguese First League soccer match between FC Famalicao and SL Benfica in Vila Nova de Famalicao, Portugal, 05 May 2024. EPA-EFE/MANUEL FERNANDO ARAÚJO
Juventus are pursuing multiple high-profile targets this summer, with the Bianconeri understood to be interested in Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva alongside their well-documented pursuit of departing Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Juventus’s interest in the 22-year-old defender is long-standing and genuine. Agent Jorge Mendes confirmed as far back as December 2024 that both parties were keen on a deal, stating publicly that “Antonio Silva wants Juventus and Juventus want Antonio Silva, it is up to Benfica to decide.”
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Benfica president Rui Costa blocked the move at the time, but the situation has since shifted significantly in Juventus’s favour.
Antonio Silva open to Juventus move after difficult season on Benfica’s bench
The Portugal international has grown increasingly frustrated at Benfica after spending much of the season as third-choice centre-back behind Nicolas Otamendi and Tomas Araujo.
His contract renewal talks have stalled, with the player unhappy about how the process has been handled and demanding sporting guarantees that Benfica are currently unable to provide, not least given their uncertainty over next season’s coaching setup.
Benfica will attempt to renew his contract, which runs until 2027, and could offer around €2 million net per season. But money alone is unlikely to be sufficient.
Newcastle offered €35 million plus €15 million in bonuses for the defender in 2024 and were rebuffed, a fee that would be difficult to replicate given his reduced role this season.
For the Bianconeri, Antonio Silva would address a clear defensive need.
His arrival would complement the club’s pursuit of Bernardo Silva, whom Juventus hope to sign on a free transfer from Manchester City, though that deal remains contingent on Champions League qualification being secured in the final game of the season.
