Bournemouth are now reported to have reached an agreement with Benfica for António Silva. The transfer is expected to be formalised once the Portuguese club return from Switzerland.
After days of reports about negotiations and Benfica’s request to delay the defender’s departure until after the Europa League qualifier against St. Gallen, A Bola now claim the clubs have fully aligned the terms of the deal.
According to the newspaper, only the final formalities remain. Benfica president Rui Costa, sporting director Mário Branco and representatives from Gestifute are expected to complete the process after the squad returns to Lisbon.
Marco Silva backs defender
While the transfer edges closer, Benfica manager Marco Silva insists the uncertainty has had no impact on António Silva’s attitude.
The 22-year-old is expected to start against St. Gallen despite knowing his move to the Premier League is approaching. In addition, his manager has publicly praised the defender’s professionalism.
“If António wasn’t focused on training, on his responsibilities and on what it means to be a Benfica player, he wouldn’t even have featured in the pre-season matches,” Marco Silva said.
“If a player doesn’t show commitment in training, he wouldn’t even be involved in the next training session, let alone play in a match.”
A Bola describe the situation as a ‘bittersweet moment’ for António Silva. The defender has been leading Benfica’s back line throughout pre-season. He has also been wearing the captain’s armband. All this happens while knowing his time at the club is drawing to a close.
Farewell approaching
A Bola report António Silva is set to leave Benfica as captain. Either after the first leg against St. Gallen or following the return fixture in Lisbon on 30 July.
The newspaper adds Bournemouth’s football operations, led by former Benfica executive Tiago Pinto, have long viewed the Portugal international as a player capable of becoming an immediate starter in the Premier League.
The final transfer fee remains undisclosed. However, A Bola report the package is expected to be around €25m (£21.6m). This is after Bournemouth improved their proposal to a figure that moved closer to Benfica’s valuation.
With an agreement between the clubs now reportedly in place, the expectation in Portugal is that António Silva’s farewell will come on the pitch. Then, when the paperwork is completed, his move to the Premier League will be officially announced.
