Bournemouth sign Portugal defender Silva
Bournemouth have signed Portugal centre-back Antonio Silva from Benfica in a deal worth up to £25.7m. The 22-year-old is intended to replace Marcos Senesi, who joined Tottenham on a free transfer, and represents a significant investment as the club seek greater stability under new manager Marco Rose.
Bournemouth will pay an initial £21.4m, with up to £4.3m in add-ons, after completing the agreement following Benfica’s Europa League qualifying win over St Gallen. Silva has 20 Portugal caps and substantial European experience, while becoming Bournemouth’s second summer signing after striker Alvaro Rodriguez; the club are also aiming to retain Alex Scott, Rayan and Junior Kroupi.
- Bournemouth sign Antonio Silva for up to £25.7m
- Silva replaces departed defender Marcos Senesi
- Cherries pursue stability under Marco Rose
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Bournemouth are a football club in England’s Premier League, the country’s top division. Benfica are one of Portugal’s best-known clubs, and Antonio Silva has also played for Portugal’s national team.
A centre-back is a defender who usually plays near the middle of the defence and helps prevent opponents from scoring. Silva is expected to fill the place left by Marcos Senesi, another centre-back who has moved to Tottenham.
The signing is a sizeable investment for Bournemouth as they begin working under manager Marco Rose. It adds an experienced defender to a squad the club are seeking to strengthen.