Newcastle United’s The search for another high-end central defender has taken them to several European markets over the past year.
The Magpies have focused on youth profiles capable of making long-term starts rather than short-term improvements, particularly with injuries and concerns about squad depth continuing to follow Eddie Howe’s side.
One name that has consistently remained in that conversation, at least according to the Portuguese press, is Antonio Silva.
The Benfica defender has been admired in Newcastle’s recruitment structure for some time. The club first tried to convince him To go to the Premier League. There was also serious interest from Juventus before Benfica blocked the sale.
However, the situation is now changing rapidly at the Portugal international level.
Newcastle United attentive to contract situation
according to recordBenfica have formally offered Antonio Silva a new contract as they attempt to avoid entering a dangerous situation over his future.
The 22-year-old only has one year left on his current deal, meaning this summer could become the Portuguese side’s last realistic opportunity to secure a big fee.
Benfica president Rui Costa is trying hard to convince the defender to stay. The report suggests that the club is also ready to hand over the captaincy to Antonio Silva after Nicolas Otamendi’s departure from the club.
That offer is designed to show how central he is to Benfica’s future plans.
Everyone’s waiting to see what happens
Records show that Benfica still want Antonio Silva and Tomas Araújo to become the club’s long-term defensive partnership next season. Even Jose Mourinho reportedly planned around that idea before his expected departure to Real Madrid.
However, Benfica also knows that the player himself now controls most of the situation.
If Antonio Silva refuses to renew, the Portuguese club may be forced to seriously consider offers. Newcastle are one of the clubs that have already deployed the player after previous contact with the camp.
The Magpies’ interest also makes strategic sense.
Fabian Schar turns 34 this season and has struggled with injuries at various moments of the campaign. Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw were regulars for most of the season, but the pair also showed inconsistency during several stretches. Meanwhile, Dan Byrne – heavily used on the left side of defense by Eddie Howe – has also just turned 34.
This leaves Newcastle in a position where adding another long-term central defensive option could become a serious priority this summer.
Antonio Silva still looks like a promising profile despite a mixed campaign at Benfica.
The defender has made 43 appearances in all competitions this season. He will also remain a regular in Roberto Martínez’s Portugal plans ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Benfica hope that interest in him may increase further during the summer period.
Benfica’s stance is changing due to contract pressure
What makes this situation particularly important for Newcastle is the contract deadline.
Benfica already had enough power to reject approaches outright. This becomes even more difficult if Antonio Silva delays renewal talks into the summer.
The record states that the player is expected to wait until after the World Cup before making a final decision on his future. Benfica are aware of that possibility and know that the clock is now working against them.
Newcastle already know the resistance from Benfica. However, this time, if renewal talks fail to progress, the Portuguese side will not have as much room to hold on.
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