Liverpool will reportedly look to sign Benfica defender Antonio Silva this summer, after scouting him for several weeks.
The 19-year-old has also caught the attention of Manchester City and Manchester United, so the Reds could face competition for his signature.
Silva only signed a senior deal with Benfica last summer, which is valid until 2027. As a result, a large bid will be required for his services.
Indeed, as noted by Football Insider, the center-back has a release clause of £77m in his contract. Now, given three Premier League giants are in the race – Liverpool may have to pay that fee.
This season, Silva has made 26 league appearances for Benfica, scoring three goals in the process.
The teenager has played a key role in their season – with the Portuguese giants sitting four points clear at the top of the table.
A strong center-half with an excellent passing range, Silva could prove to be an excellent long-term addition to Liverpool. But, only if they can beat Man City and Man Utd to sign him.
Klopp plots Liverpool defensive revamp
It’s no secret that Jurgen Klopp is looking to bolster his defense this summer. Indeed, the manager is allegedly concerned that his backline is too weak to challenge for trophies.
Recent injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have exposed their lack of depth in the center-back position, with Joe Gomez and Joel Matip struggling to fill in effectively for the duo.
This has been one of the key reasons that Klopp’s team currently sits in seventh place in the Premier League table. Although, their aging midfield has also proved to be a problem, too.
As noted by TEAMtalk, one of Liverpool’s key defensive targets is Eintracht Frankfurt center-back Evan Ndicka, who will be available on a free transfer.
However, Napoli is reportedly considering signing Ndicka as a replacement for Kim Min-Jae, who could join Man City.
Josko Gvardiol has also been linked with a switch to Anfield for some time. But, Liverpool has been priced out of a move for the powerhouse after RB Leipzig slapped an £80m price tag on him.
As a result, the Reds may have to look elsewhere for a new center-back. Silva certainly has the potential to turn into a top player in the future, so would be an exciting signing.
For now, Klopp’s focus will be on qualifying for European football next season. The Champions League is almost definitely out of reach. But, the Europa League and Europa Conference League are still up for grabs.
Regardless of what happens, though, Liverpool are tipped to rebuild both their defense and midfield in the summer.
