Bournemouth have identified Antonio Silva as their preferred replacement for Marcos Senesi, with talks underway to bring the highly rated Benfica defender to the Vitality Stadium this summer.
The Cherries accelerated their interest after Senesi completed a free-transfer move to Tottenham Hotspur, leaving new head coach Marco Rose searching for a commanding centre-back ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. Silva has quickly emerged as Bournemouth’s top defensive target thanks to his composure in possession and experience at the highest level.
Negotiations between the two clubs have begun, although Benfica are understood to have temporarily paused discussions while they focus on their upcoming UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign. The Portuguese giants face Swiss side St Gallen later this month and want Silva available before making a final decision on his future.
The 22-year-old has been a first-team regular since breaking through at Benfica in 2022 and has built an impressive résumé despite his young age. Silva has featured in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and FIFA Club World Cup, while also earning 20 senior caps for Portugal. Although he represented his country at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2024, he was left out of Portugal’s squad for this summer’s World Cup by Roberto Martínez.
Silva’s arrival would represent Bournemouth’s second signing of the transfer window following the acquisition of striker Álvaro Rodríguez from Elche in a deal worth up to £25.7 million. The club is aiming to reinforce Marco Rose’s squad without repeating last summer’s major player exodus, when departures generated more than £200 million.
Bournemouth are also determined to resist interest in several of their key players, including Alex Scott, Rayan and Junior Kroupi, as they seek greater stability after qualifying for European competition.
Silva has long been regarded as one of Portugal’s brightest defensive prospects. After becoming the youngest defender to establish himself in Benfica’s first team in recent years, he has attracted interest from several of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool in previous transfer windows.
If Bournemouth can finalise a deal once Benfica’s European commitments are out of the way, the Cherries would secure one of the most highly rated young defenders in Europe and provide Marco Rose with an ideal long-term successor to Senesi.
