Newcastle United's Benfica's pursuit of Antonio Silva continues in his efforts to secure the defender's future.
the magpies looked A big bid for a centre-back in 2024 rejected. Now the latest reports from Portugal suggest that the episode is impacting contract talks currently taking place in Lisbon.
according to to ballBenfica have made their initial renewal offer to the 22-year-old. However, this proposal has failed to convince neither the player nor the people around him.
The newspaper reports that Benfica's first offer is worth around €1.2m (£1m) per season. Although this would represent an increase on his current salary, it is significantly less than Antonio Silva and his camp were expecting. That difference is becoming a serious obstacle to negotiations.
Newcastle move remains important reference point
A Bola explains that Antonio Silva wants to get closer to the salaries earned by Benfica's most important players. In fact, figures closer to €2 million (£1.7 million) per year are seen as a more appropriate target.
The report then refers to Newcastle. According to the newspaper, Antonio Silva could have already reached that salary level if Benfica had allowed him to move to Newcastle or Juventus. It was then that both clubs made significant approaches.
Portuguese reports in recent weeks have claimed The protector felt neglected and unsupported. After falling behind Nicolas Otamendi and Tomas Araújo in the pecking order.
Benfica have since attempted to repair relations through renewal talks and discussions over a future leadership role within the team.
However, A Bola suggests that the first financial proposal has not helped matters.
The report stated that neither Antonio Silva's family nor his representatives at Gestefute were impressed by Benfica's initial offer.
Benfica needs a defender more than ever
One of the most important details in the report is Benfica's current reliance on the player.
Despite spending most of last season behind Otamendi and Tomas Araújo in the hierarchy, Antonio Silva has now been described as the only truly established centre-back available for the start of pre-season preparations.
With Otamendi having left the club, Benfica are actively looking to sign new central defenders, and the arrival of Marco Silva is expected to require immediate stability in that area of the pitch.
This has strengthened Antonio Silva's position considerably. A bola says that the player now "has all the cards".
The defender is just days away from entering the final year of his contract. From January 2027 he Will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement elsewhere. At that point, Benfica would have very limited leverage.
renewal remains possible
Despite the tension, the report makes it clear that a contract extension has not been ruled out. Antonio Silva is still set to stay at Benfica, but his decision will not depend solely on salary.
One said that the defender also wants guarantees of playing time in relation to his role in the team. Additionally, he wants reassurance about his importance within the project and the possibility of becoming one of the club's leaders after Otamendi's departure.
Benfica are expected to return with an improved offer once the player returns from his holidays.
The club is reportedly willing to be flexible. Therefore, discussions could include a five-year contract running until 2031, progressive pay rises, ambitious performance bonuses and even a reduction in the current €100 million (£85 million) release clause.
Additionally, A Bola noted that the market has changed since Newcastle and Juventus first pursued the defender. Financial spending has slowed across Europe, while Antonio Silva's absence from the World Cup has done nothing to boost his profile internationally.
This means that there is uncertainty on both sides. And that's why they're trying to convince him to stay a little longer. But he believes the salary level he could already earn in the Premier League is hanging on negotiations.
