Real Madrid will not pursue a move for 21-year-old Portuguese defender Antonio Silva, who might join Manchester United in a deal worth €75 million next year.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Antonio Silva is the subject of interest from Manchester United. Recent updates also linked the SL Benfica centre-back with Real Madrid. However, the reigning La Liga champions have ruled out a move for the Portuguese international as they are not ready to cough up €75 million to sign him.
The Antonio Silva story
Antonio Silva has been one of the most highly-rated centre-backs in the world for several years. The youngster spent his formative years in Portugal, starting his youth career at CF Os Repesenses before graduating from the academy at SL Benfica.
The 21-year-old broke into the first-team squad at SL Benfica in the 2022/23 season and shortly became a mainstay at the back. Since then, Silva has made considerable progress, although his stock has fallen in the 2024/25 season. The youngster has not even managed 1,000 minutes of game time across 12 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with one goal and one assist.
However, Silva’s stock in the market remains high, with several high-profile clubs setting their sights on him. Recent reports have linked the Portuguese international with several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United. The youngster has also been a target for Real Madrid.
What next?
Antonio Silva has been on Real Madrid’s radar for a long time. The reigning La Liga champions are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the two transfer windows next year amid the advancing years of Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba. However, while the Benfica defender is a viable target for Real Madrid, they do not want to break the bank to secure his services.
As for Manchester United, the Red Devils hold a long-standing interest in Silva. The Premier League giants are scouring the market for a centre-back amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Victor Lindelof. So, Silva is a viable target, with Manchester United ready to cough up €75 million to land him.
With Real Madrid ruling out a move for the 21-year-old Portuguese defender, Manchester United should have a clear run at him. It will be interesting to see if the youngster lands at Old Trafford next year in a deal worth €75 million.