Bournemouth's move for Benfica defender António Silva has effectively been agreed, but the transfer has been temporarily placed on hold after all parties reached an unusual arrangement.
The Portugal international is expected to complete his move to the Premier League after Benfica's Europa League qualifier against Swiss side St. Gallen next week, allowing the Lisbon club to retain one of their most important defenders for a crucial fixture.
Defender agrees to delayed departure
According to reports in Portugal, António Silva has accepted Benfica's request to postpone his departure until after the first leg of the Europa League qualifier on 23 July.
Despite the obvious injury risk, the 22-year-old has agreed to remain available for one final appearance before travelling to England to complete his move.
Record reports that Bournemouth have already reached a full agreement with the player, while Benfica are expected to receive around €25 million (£21.6 million) for the defender.
"Gentleman's agreement" between all parties
Portuguese newspaper A Bola describes the arrangement as a "gentleman's agreement" between Bournemouth, Benfica and António Silva.
Although Bournemouth could have insisted on completing the transfer immediately to protect their investment, the Premier League club have instead agreed to allow the centre-back to honour his commitment to Benfica.
The decision reflects Silva's desire to leave his boyhood club on good terms after progressing through the academy and establishing himself as one of Portugal's most highly rated young defenders.
Reports even suggest he could captain Benfica in what is expected to be his farewell appearance before moving to the Premier League.
Benfica paying the price for delayed planning
The transfer has also reignited criticism of Benfica's handling of António Silva's future.
Former vice-president Fernando Tavares believes the club waited too long to reward the defender with an improved contract, arguing the situation has become another example of Benfica reacting too slowly to protect one of their brightest academy graduates.
The club's defensive problems have only increased their reliance on Silva. New signing Clément Lenglet is still settling into the squad, Tomás Araújo is unavailable for the first leg following his post-World Cup break, while other options are either out of position or ineligible.
Those circumstances have convinced Benfica that keeping Silva for one final European fixture is worth the risk before completing his transfer to Bournemouth.
Key Points
- Bournemouth have agreed a deal to sign António Silva.
- Benfica are expected to receive around €25 million.
- The defender will remain with Benfica for the Europa League qualifier against St. Gallen.
- A "gentleman's agreement" has been reached between all parties.
- António Silva could captain Benfica in his final appearance for the club.
What's next?
Once Benfica's Europa League qualifier is completed, António Silva is expected to travel to England to finalise his move to Bournemouth. The Cherries will then complete one of their most significant defensive signings of the summer as they continue strengthening Andoni Iraola's squad.
Will António Silva prove to be one of the Premier League's best defensive signings this summer?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *