Bournemouth sign Portugal defender Silva

What the report says

Bournemouth have completed the signing of Portugal defender Antonio Silva from Benfica in a deal that could rise to almost £25.7m, according to BBC Sport Football. The 22-year-old centre-back said he was excited to join the Premier League club and described the move as a chance to compete and win alongside his new team-mates.

Silva arrives after becoming a regular for Benfica since breaking into their first team in 2022. BBC Sport Football reported that he has played in the Champions League, Europa League and Club World Cup, and has earned 20 caps for Portugal. He was part of Portugal’s squads for the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, although he was not selected for this summer’s tournament.

The transfer is a notable step for Bournemouth as they look to replace Marcos Senesi, who left on a free transfer to Tottenham earlier this month. The fee is understood to include an initial payment of £21.4m, with a further £4.3m in add-ons, and the deal was completed after Benfica’s Europa League qualifying win over St Gallen. Bournemouth’s football operations president Tiago Pinto said Silva’s experience and winning mentality made him a strong fit, while the club continues a summer rebuild under new manager Marco Rose.

Silva is Bournemouth’s second signing of the summer after striker Alvaro Rodriguez joined from Elche.