Bournemouth sign Portugal centre-back Silva from Benfica

Bournemouth have strengthened their defensive options by signing Portugal international Antonio Silva from Benfica, adding a Nations League-winning defender ahead of the new Premier League season.

The 22-year-old joins the English club in a deal worth around £26 million ($35 million) and is to fill the gap left by Marcos Senesi, who moved to Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer.

Silva arrives at Bournemouth with significant European experience despite his young age, having made 235 appearances for Benfica across all competitions. He played a key role in Benfica’s Primeira Liga title triumph in the 2022-23 season and was named the league’s Defender of the Year.

The centre-back was also part of the Portugal squad that lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy last year, further enhancing his reputation as one of Europe’s promising defensive talents.

“Despite being only 22, he has already built an outstanding level of experience at one of Europe’s biggest clubs,” Bournemouth president of football operations Tiago Pinto said.

Bournemouth, who secured a Europa League spot last season for the first time in the club’s history, will begin their Premier League campaign against defending champions Manchester City on August 23.