Transfer Centre

Liverpool 'to hold Antonio Silva transfer talks after World Cup'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 10 December 2022

Liverpool will open talks with Benfica over a possible deal for teenage defender Antonio Silva after the World Cup, according to a report.

Liverpool will reportedly open talks with Benfica over a possible deal for Antonio Silva after the World Cup.

The 19-year-old is enjoying a breakthrough campaign for his Portuguese club, making 20 appearances in all competitions this term, contributing three goals in the process.

Silva's form earned him a spot in the Portugal squad for the 2022 World Cup, and he played the full 90 minutes against South Korea at the competition on December 2.

The centre-back was an unused substitute against Switzerland in the round of 16, though, and he also did not feature in Saturday's 1-0 loss to Morocco in the quarter-finals.

Silva only signed a new contract with Benfica in September, with his current terms due to run until June 2027, but there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future in recent weeks.

Benfica's Antonio Silva in action against Paris Saint-Germain on October 5, 2022 © Reuters

Silva recorded 38 outings for Benfica Under-23s before breaking into the first team, and he has now made 18 appearances for the senior side.

The teenager has picked up Champions League experience this season, starting all six of Benfica's matches, with the Eagles going unbeaten in Group H against Maccabi Haifa, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain to reach the next round.

A recent report claimed that Manchester United viewed Silva as a possible replacement for Harry Maguire, with the Red Devils potentially making their captain available for transfer next summer.

However, according to A Bola, there is also firm interest from Liverpool, with the Reds planning to hold transfer talks with Benfica after the World Cup.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp celebrates on November 6, 2022 © Reuters

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is believed to be determined to sign the Portugal international, who made the move to Benfica in 2016 after a spell with Viseu United.

The Reds are currently well-stocked in the middle of their defence, with Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip, Nat Phillips and Virgil van Dijk all options for the Merseyside giants.

Any deal for Silva is likely to be extremely expensive, meanwhile, and it remains to be seen whether the club have the funds to pursue the centre-back considering their interest in Jude Bellingham.

Liverpool are believed to be in the driving seat to bring in Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, although Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are also said to be in the hunt.

Liverpool will play two mid-season friendlies against Lyon and AC Milan in the coming days before facing Manchester City in the EFL Cup on December 22.