Bournemouth sign Portugal defender António Silva for £25m

Bournemouth completed the signing of Portuguese international defender António Silva from Benfica on Saturday, significantly bolstering their backline ahead of a historic European campaign. The Premier League club secured the 22-year-old center-back for a reported fee in the region of £25 million to £26 million ($33 million to $35 million), with additional potential add-ons.

Silva arrives as a direct replacement for Marcos Senesi, who departed the club on a free transfer to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer. The transfer marks Bournemouth’s second major acquisition of the window following the earlier arrival of forward Álvaro Rodríguez from Elche.

The young defender expressed his enthusiasm upon finalizing the move, stating he was very happy to be at the club and that it was a pleasure to play for Bournemouth and in the Premier League. He added that the mentality is always to win and that he would try his best for the fans. Silva is expected to join his new teammates immediately as they prepare for their Premier League opener away to Manchester City on August 23.

With over 180 senior appearances for Benfica, Silva brings considerable experience despite his age. He helped Benfica...