Bournemouth near deal for Benfica defender Antonio Silva

Bournemouth are in advanced negotiations to sign Portuguese international defender Antonio Silva from Benfica, aiming to secure the 22-year-old as a direct replacement for the departed Marcos Senesi. The club is reportedly close to finalizing a transfer, with personal terms already agreed upon and discussions between the clubs progressing.

The move comes after Senesi left the Vitality Stadium on a free transfer earlier this summer to join Tottenham Hotspur. Silva, who has entered the final year of his contract with Benfica, has informed the Portuguese club of his desire to leave and will not sign a new deal. Negotiations have been temporarily paused, however, as Benfica focuses on its upcoming Europa League second qualifying round ties against Swiss side St. Gallen, with the first leg scheduled for July 23 and the return leg on July 30.

Silva is viewed as a significant defensive reinforcement for Bournemouth under new manager Marco Rose. The centre-back has made 181 appearances for Benfica since breaking into the first team in 2022, gaining experience in the Champions League and earning 20 caps for Portugal. He played a key role in Benfica's 2025-26 league campaign, in which the...