Bournemouth are on the verge of completing the signing of Benfica defender António Silva, with the Portugal international expected to travel to England on Friday after making what should be his final appearance for his boyhood club.
The 22-year-old is set to captain Benfica in Thursday night's Europa League qualifier against St. Gallen before bringing the curtain down on a decade-long association with the Lisbon giants.
With the paperwork almost complete, Silva's long-awaited Premier League move is entering its final stages.
Flight booked as transfer nears completion
According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Silva already has a flight booked to England for Friday, immediately after Benfica's European fixture.
The transfer has been progressing steadily over the past two weeks, with Bournemouth and Benfica already reaching an agreement over the deal. The clubs are now completing the remaining documentation before the move is officially announced.
Benfica reportedly persuaded the defender to delay his departure so he could remain available for their Europa League qualifying campaign, a request Silva accepted despite knowing his future lay elsewhere.
Professionalism praised before departure
Silva's commitment has been widely praised throughout the transfer process.
Benfica manager Marco Silva has repeatedly commended the defender's professionalism, while Portuguese outlet Correio da Manhã highlighted his display in the first leg against St. Gallen.
Despite already having, as the newspaper described it, "one foot at Bournemouth", Silva was praised for giving everything to the Benfica cause and was considered one of the few players who could not be blamed for the disappointing result.
His attitude has only strengthened his reputation before beginning the next chapter of his career in the Premier League.
Bournemouth secure defensive boost
Barring any late complications, Thursday's Europa League qualifier will be Silva's final appearance in a Benfica shirt.
The transfer is expected to be worth up to €25 million, ending one of the Portuguese club's longest-running transfer sagas of the summer.
For Bournemouth, Silva represents another significant addition as they continue strengthening their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
After progressing through Benfica's academy and establishing himself as a first-team regular, the highly-rated centre-back now looks set to test himself in English football.
Key Points
- António Silva is expected to travel to England on Friday.
- The defender is set to make his final Benfica appearance against St. Gallen.
- Bournemouth and Benfica have already agreed the transfer.
- The deal is expected to be worth up to €25 million.
- Silva spent a decade at Benfica after progressing through the club's academy.
What's Next?
If Benfica's Europa League qualifier passes without incident, Silva is expected to fly to England on Friday to complete his medical and finalise his move to Bournemouth, with an official announcement likely to follow shortly afterwards.
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