Antonio Silva set for Bournemouth move after Milan speculation
Quick summary
Benfica defender Antonio Silva is reportedly close to a transfer to Bournemouth, despite previous links to AC Milan.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceFabrizio Romano reports that Milan have never been in talks with Benfica over Antonio Silva and that the Portuguese defender is now expected to be confirmed as a new Bournemouth signing soon.
Portuguese defender Antonio Silva is on the verge of joining Premier League side Bournemouth from Benfica, reports Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian transfer expert provided the latest updates on the 22-year-old, claiming that Milan have never been in talks to sign him.
Antonio Silva set for Bournemouth move “Benfica didn’t even receive one call from Milan,” Romano said. “And Milan have never made an offer to Benfica or the player.”
Romano added that Antonio Silva “will almost certainly join Bournemouth” as the defender’s agent Jorge Mendes already has an agreement with the Premier League side and has shaken hands with their director Tiago Pinto.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JUNE 20: Antonio Silva #4 of SL Benfica controls the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group C match between SL Benfica and Auckland City FC at Inter&Co Stadium on June 20, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) According to Romano, the deal is practically done, but Benfica are retaining all their players until they play in the Europa League play-off against St. Gallen: “From the end of this week onwards, every moment is the right one to sign the paperwork and complete Antonio Silva’s move to Bournemouth,” Romano concluded.
Milan have already made two summer signings, including one in defence, bringing in centre-back Mario Gila from Lazio in a €30m deal.
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What happened
Antonio Silva, the highly-rated young Benfica centre-back, had been heavily linked with a move to AC Milan. However, recent reports suggest that Premier League side Bournemouth are now in pole position to sign the Portuguese defender. The shift represents a notable turn in the transfer saga, with Bournemouth apparently willing to meet Benfica's valuation. The deal, if completed, would be a significant statement of intent from Bournemouth in the transfer market.
Chance analysis
Antonio Silva is one of Europe's most sought-after young defenders, making his potential Premier League move noteworthy for market dynamics. A switch to Bournemouth rather than a club like Milan signals both the financial power of mid-table Premier League sides and Silva's readiness for top-flight football. For Bournemouth, this would represent a major defensive upgrade and a statement signing. For Milan, losing out on a long-standing target weakens their defensive recruitment options.
Bournemouth's defensive line would be substantially strengthened by Silva's arrival, while Milan lose a priority defensive transfer target.
If Silva joins Bournemouth, expect a significant boost to their defensive solidity; Milan's defensive reinforcement plans likely shift to alternative targets.