10 months ago
131 For different reasons, both Liverpool and Manchester United would benefit from the arrival of a centre-back in the near future.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side arguably have the best pairing in the Premier League with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
However, there could be little depth beyond the starting pair once we reach the summer.
On the other hand, Erik ten Hag is still trying to find the perfect partner for the newly returned Lisandro Martinez.
Raphael Varane still looks the obvious choice, however the defender is often linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
That being said, both Liverpool and Man United have been linked with Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva in the last few months.
The 20-year-old is thought to be one of Europe’s biggest emerging talents, a defender who already has seven caps for Portugal.
And whilst Silva might be intended as Konate’s long-term partner if he moved to Liverpool, he’d likely be an immediate starter for ten Hag.
However, agent Jorge Mendes has now confirmed that Silva won’t be leaving Benfica at all this month.
But given the hefty £87m it could take to sign Silva, that might not be bad news for either Premier League side with a summer move in mind.
Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva won’t be joining Liverpool or Man United this month
Fabrizio Romano shared Mendes’ update on X, which explained that neither Silva or his impressive teammate Joao Neves would leave mid-season.
Mendes said: “There were proposals for João Neves and Antonio Silva but the door is not open.
“They will stay at Benfica until the end of the season, it’s 100% guaranteed… then Rui Costa will decide what to do.”
Of course, both Liverpool and United fans may be wondering if it was their club that made an inquiry for the centre-back.
But either way, it really wouldn’t be a surprise if both clubs returned with their interest after the season.
It’s widely believed that Joel Matip will depart Liverpool in the summer once his deal expires, a player who will need replacing.
And whilst Jarell Quansah is showing a ton of promise, Klopp will surely want to strengthen his squad.
Similarly, there could be a lot of change at Manchester United in the summer.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe seems to be inspiring a clear out at the club, with four players now linked with an exit.
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