Antonio Silva
Newcastle United target Antonio Silva during the Eusebio CUP, between SL Benfica and Fenerbahce
Newcastle United’s summer interest in Benfica defender António Silva has taken a sharper turn. Portuguese outlet Record reveals that the Magpies made a concrete offer in January 2025 – one that the Lisbon club firmly rejected.
Record has disclosed that Newcastle (alongside Juventus) tabled proposals worth up to €40m for Silva in the January window.
This came after an earlier approach. A Bola reported in May 2025 that Newcastle’s initial proposal was €35m. It could have risen to €50m with performance-based objectives. Benfica rejected both attempts.
President Rui Costa pointed to the centre-back’s €100m release clause as his reason for refusing to negotiate.
The cost of stubbornness
That consistent refusal might have looked principled at the time. These days, it looks considerably less inspired. Silva’s renewal talks have stalled completely. His contract situation is turning into a proper mess for Benfica.
The Portuguese international is 22 years old. He last signed a new deal in September 2022 when he was just 18. He was finding his feet in the first team back then. His current contract runs until summer 2027. Nothing has moved despite Rui Costa claiming in late October that a renewal proposal was “on the table”.
Meanwhile, Benfica have been busy elsewhere. Daniel Banjaqui, José Neto, Anísio Cabral and João Rego have all received fresh terms or are close to it. Silva, by contrast, remains in the purgatory.
The longer this drags on, the more precarious his position becomes. He could be available on a bargain fee next summer or potentially free in 2027, which Newcastle United could consider.
Newcastle United watching developments
Silva’s departure looks increasingly likely. Benfica prefer Nicolas Otamendi and Tomás Araújo as their defensive pairing. Silva has still been a regular under José Mourinho this season. He’s shared centre-back duties with Araújo.
In European football, though, Araújo has had the edge. Silva began on the bench in Benfica’s last three Champions League matches. Mourinho, to be fair, has regularly praised the defender’s qualities. He’s shown little concern about his defensive depth.
The 22-year-old has clocked up 170 competitive appearances for Benfica’s first team. He’s the academy product with the most senior football since his promotion in 2022. He’s a regular in Portugal’s setup. He could feature in the 2026 World Cup squad, but only if his desired playing time is assured.
Newcastle United and others will be watching.