Liverpool are ‘keeping an eye’ on the progress of Benfica defender Antonio Silva with a view to a move this summer.
Silva has been a breakout star in Lisbon, emerging from the club’s academy to play 40 times this season. The 19-year-old has broken into the Portugal national team already too, earning himself three caps so far.
This has led to rumours that Europe’s elite – including Liverpool – are now watching Silva closely. And according to former Portuguese international Daniel Carrico, the Reds could be a leading contender to sign him.
“There are few words to praise Antonio Silva more,” Carrico told SIC Noticias via Noticias Ao Minuto. “He’s a young man who doesn’t look like a young man. He plays with the maturity of a senior and a centre with several years of experience. He has a very strong personality, he demonstrates that on the pitch, he’s a leader. Together with Otamendi has made a very strong duo. Demonstrates that you are prepared for other flights. It is normal for a young central player to have to acquire more experience, but he has shown, also in the national team, that he is prepared.
“The normal thing is to have to make mistakes to learn and evolve, but Antonio Silva plays alongside Otamendi, who has been a great support for this stability. Antonio Silva burned stages [of progression], because in the first season he already reached the national team. The big clubs are keeping an eye on Antonio Silva, certainly. Liverpool are no exception.”
Silva on Liverpool’s shopping list
As Liverpool look to target a new centre-back this summer, Silva is certainly one of the names on their list. However, a lot may depend on the price Benfica are willing to do business at.
The Eagles are notoriously wily operators in the transfer market and are unlikely to let the teenager go on the cheap. There have already been reports that Silva’s price-tag will rule Liverpool out of any summer bidding.
Conversely though, there have also been claims that he could cost as little as £45m. Although still a relatively big price to pay for a 19-year-old, in the context that wouldn’t be a bad deal.
The potential in Silva is clear. If he can keep developing at the rate he has this season, he’ll be one of the continent’s top defenders in no time at all.
Jamie Carragher certainly thinks so. The Reds legend called Silva a ‘potential superstar’ after watching him in Champions League action this season.
Should the Reds see similar budding prospects for the youngster, maybe we’ll see him at Anfield next season after all.
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