Benfica find cheaper alternative to replace António Silva | OneFootball

Stepán Chaloupek was one of the names Benfica considered to strengthen the heart of the defence in this transfer window. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Eagles even made initial contact over the Czech centre-back, at a time when the player was also attracting interest from other European clubs.

The 23-year-old defender was mentioned as a possible alternative to António Silva, who left the Luz, and had an interesting profile for the Reds: youth, room for development and a market value estimated at around €10 million, according to Transfermarkt.

Last season, Chaloupekmade 38 appearances, scored 10 goals and provided two assists, and also represented the Czech Republic at the 2026 World Cup. In the current league campaign, he has already made four appearances for Slavia Prague.

Benfica, however, were not the only club interested. Lazio are also said to have moved for the centre-back and, according to reports from Italy, the Romans were willing to submit a €10 million bid, plus add-ons, to Slavia Prague. Despite the initial contacts and the interest from several clubs, Chaloupek’s future is unlikely to be at the Luz.

Glorioso 1904 revealed exclusively that the move to Benfica ultimately did not go ahead due to Marco Silva’s decision. The Eagles’ coach closely monitored the Czech defender and concluded that the player did not have the characteristics he considers necessary to take on the role of the ideal reinforcement for Benfica’s defence.

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