Following all the stories this year claiming Manchester United have been interested in Benfica defender Antonio Silva, we may now see the perfect opportunity for the Red Devils to try this transfer.
The reason for that is the Eagles’ poor campaign in the Champions League, which is set to have a big impact on their financial plan for the next year.
Newspaper O Jogo explains that Benfica had been expecting to pick up at least three points in the group stage and try to get to the knock-out stages. However, so far, they’ve managed three defeats in three games, and things don’t look positive for a big recovery.
The millions they won’t make with the qualification are set to be earned with a sale, then, and that’s where the Manchester United target comes in.
O Jogo explains that Benfica don’t want to sell João Neves, as they believe he’ll get a lot more valuable and since Florentino Luís’ price is going down, it’s Antonio Silva who becomes the best option to cash in.
The story doesn’t make it clear how much the Lisbon side would want for the sale, or even if that transfer would be made in January or in the summer, but a sale is very much a possibility.
Either way, it seems like a fine chance for Manchester United.
Their interest in the player was recently the reason for a front page story in Portugal, and it’s also been said that he’s aware the Red Devils should be coming for him.
If it’s as genuine and solid as those claims, and others, have made out, they may be about to be handed a fine opportunity to get their man.