Real Madrid need to make additions in a number of positions all across the pitch. One of them is centre-back. Admittedly, Carlo Ancelotti’s side seem a lot better defensively this season than they did in the previous one and have conceded just six goals in the first nine games of the 2023/24 La Liga campaign. Just for comparison, Barcelona have conceded ten.
Despite this, one cannot overlook the fact that this is an ageing central defence. Especially now that Eder Militao is out injured for the foreseeable future.
Antonio Rudiger, Nacho Fernandez and David Alaba are all past 30 years of age. Sooner or later, Real Madrid will need to bring in some long-term solutions there.
Antonio Silva has emerged as one of the best young centre-backs in world football. It is hard to believe that at 19 years of age, he is starting regularly for Benfica and also has a number of appearances for the Portugal national team under his belt. There is no doubt that he is a special talent and one who appears to be in Real Madrid’s radar.
Real Madrid willing to make €50 million bid for defender
As reported by Defensa Central (via The Hard Tackle), Real Madrid are interested in Silva. The club are willing to shell out a €50 million transfer fee to sign the 19-year-old Benfica defender.
Someone like Silva would be a superb long-term addition for Real Madrid for sure. He appears set to be one of the best centre-backs of his generation.
Centre-backs generally get better with experience and Silva is already playing at a very high level at just 19. His potential is frightening. At the same time, it is unlikely that Benfica would be willing to part ways with him for a €50 million transfer fee. He does have a release clause in his current contract set at north of €100 million.