António Silva gives Benfica a headache | OneFootball

Benfica are dealing with one of the most sensitive issues in the squad, and António Silva is at the centre of attention, at a time when the defender, still only 22, has already made 176 appearances in the red shirt — an impressive number that highlights the importance he has gained since his debut and which could become even rarer in modern football if his contract were extended for several more years.

Despite being a regular presence, the contractual situation remains far from resolved, as António Silva is entering the final year of his deal and is seeking not only a salary increase but also clear sporting guarantees, in a process that has dragged on for months and has become more delicate due to recent episodes that have left the player with some doubts about the project, such as the goal conceded against Casa Pia.

From a financial standpoint, Benfica will have to put forward significant figures to convince the Portugal international, with a new contract that could be worth around €4 million gross per season, about €2 million net, amounts that would place the centre-back among the highest earners in the squad, although there is a sense that even that effort may not be enough to secure his stay.

The sporting context also weighs on the decision, as António Silva, after an excellent breakthrough season (2022/2023), saw competition increase and felt a loss of prominence, something that has fuelled the idea that the player wants guarantees over his status and continuity in order to reassert himself as a key figure in Benfica’s future.

With the market active and previous offers above €30 million, the situation remains open, leaving Benfica with three possible paths: renew, negotiate a sale in the summer, or risk losing one of their most valuable assets, while António Silva assesses this point in his career and considers whether the time has come to make the step up to a more competitive league, something Gestifute approves of.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.