Who is Antonio Silva? Benfica star set for Bournemouth after £26m agreement

Bournemouth agree deal to sign Antonio Silva from Benfica

Bournemouth has agreed to a deal to sign Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. Cherries are set to board their second signing of the summer for a package of a £21.4 million fixed fee plus a potential £4.3 million in add-ons. 

He will replace Argentine defender Marco Senesi, who departed to Tottenham Hotspur as a free agent earlier in this window.

The Portuguese international will travel to Bournemouth on the weekend to undergo his medicals and sign an official contract, however, the length of the contract agreed upon is not revealed.

How Antonio Silva rose through Benfica's academy

Antonio Silva is a product of Benfica's youth academy and broke into the first team in 2022 at the age of 18 under Roger Schmidt. He subsequently became a starter following an injury crisis at the club, leading Silva to fill the void alongside Otamendi, who was the only fit center-back available.)

Silva attracted interest from several European clubs after making over 100 senior appearances for Benfica. He also earned 20 caps for the Portuguese national team despite being left out of the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What Antonio Silva will bring to Bournemouth

Primarily deployed as a right-sided center-back, Silva is equally comfortable on the left side of defense.

Silva possesses excellent game-reading ability and anticipation on the ground, which makes him one of Benfica's most highly rated young defenders. He is calm with the ball and a strong progressive passer who can break lines. 

The player can carry the ball into midfield comfortably by breaking the intense pressing of the opposition. 

Although Silva is not among the tallest center-backs in Europe, he makes up for it with intelligence and composure. 

The signing would strengthen Bournemouth's defensive options ahead of a season that includes European competition.