News Focus
- Juventus want Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva and Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva this summer
- Agent Jorge Mendes confirmed mutual interest between the defender and the Italian club in December 2024
- Benfica president Rui Costa blocked the move last year, but contract renewal talks have now stalled
- The 22-year-old defender wants sporting guarantees that the Portuguese side currently cannot offer
- Newcastle United made a €50 million offer for Silva in 2024 which Benfica rejected
Italian giants Juventus want to sign two players named Silva during the summer transfer window. The Turin club are chasing Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva to strengthen their defence. They also hope to capture Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.
Portuguese newspaper A Bola reports that Juventus have held a long-term interest in the 22-year-old defender. His representative, Jorge Mendes, stated publicly in December 2024 that both parties were keen on the transfer. Mendes told the media, “Antonio Silva wants Juventus and Juventus want Antonio Silva. Now Benfica must decide.”
Benfica president Rui Costa prevented the transfer from happening at the end of 2024. However, the situation has changed significantly since then. The player’s current contract runs until 2027, but discussions about a new deal have stopped. Antonio Silva is unhappy with how the club has handled the negotiations. He wants clear promises about the team’s future direction, which Benfica cannot provide while they remain unsure about their manager for next season.
The Lisbon club will attempt to renew his contract and may offer around €2 million net per season. However, money alone is unlikely to satisfy the player. Last year, Newcastle United offered €35 million plus €15 million in add-ons for the defender, but Benfica turned down the bid. His market value may have dropped since then because he has played fewer matches this season.
For Juventus, signing Antonio Silva would solve a clear problem in their back line. This pursuit runs alongside their efforts to sign Bernardo Silva on a free transfer from Manchester City. However, that deal depends on Juventus securing a place in next season’s Champions League in their final league match.