Newcastle United are big fans of Antonio Silva, but are going to have to pay an obscene amount of money if they want to sign him this summer.
The 19-year-old is one of multiple centre-backs on the Magpies’ radar, with Eddie Howe keen for the club to bring in a new right-sided centre-back.
He wants to provide additional cover for Fabian Schar, with any new recruit being lined up to eventually replace the Swiss defender.
Silva could be perfect for that role, and is someone who Newcastle officials reportedly love. He fits the brief of what the club are looking for: He plays on the right of a centre-back duo, and he is strong in possession. He is also incredibly young and has scope to get even better.
In fact he is someone who has been backed to become a ‘superstar’ for Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher. The former centre-back was full of praise for Silva during last season’s Champions League, and has backed the Portugal international to achieve big things in the game.
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That will certainly happen, and is why Newcastle want him to do it at St James’ Park. However, it has been stated that a deal for the teenager is unlikely, and now a new report from Portugal explains why.
Benfica want Newcastle to pay £85million for Antonio Silva
According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Newcastle are unlikely to sign Silva from Benfica this summer.
They state that Benfica have not received an offer for the defender from Newcastle. And if if they had, you have to imagine it would have been well below the Portuguese club’s asking price.
That is because O Jogo add that Benfica want £85million for Silva.
If Newcastle were to spend that much money on him, it would mean he would become the club’s most expensive signing ever. It would massively eclipse the £63million deal for Alexander Isak.
There is absolutely no way that Newcastle are going to spend that much money between now and the end of the transfer window. The Magpies have already splashed out around £130million on new signings, and are now committed to spending £28million on Lewis Hall next summer.
With financial fair play still a real concern for Newcastle, there is simply no chance of the club giving Benfica what they want for Silva.
Therefore a deal is off this summer, but do not be surprised if Newcastle revisit this one in the future.