Pedro Sousa assesses Benfica's next transfer: a good deal | OneFootball

Pedro Sousa believes Benfica did good business by selling António Silva to Bournemouth for 25 million euros, plus five million in add-ons, but argues that the Eagles now need to strengthen the heart of their defense with a player who has standout physical attributes.

On the Mercado Now program, the executive director of Correio da Manhã Rádio analyzed the transfer of the Portuguese international and pointed out that the center-back was entering the final year of his contract, with no intention of renewing with the club from Luz.

"He leaves after a good performance. Very calm, even though he could have been under pressure because of the moment. Knowing it was his last match, wearing the captain’s armband, but António Silva played a very good game and will remember his last match for Benfica well, and life goes on. 25 million euros is a lot of money for someone whose contract expires in a year and who did not want to renew it," said Pedro Sousa.

Although he praised the financial return secured by the SAD led by Rui Costa, the commentator warned of the need to quickly find a suitable replacement, arguing for the signing of a center-back with greater physical presence and aerial ability.

“Now, for Benfica, it’s not just a matter of saying it’s a very good deal, it’s what the coach said: ‘when will the replacement arrive?’ It wasn’t needed yesterday, but a week ago that weakness was noticeable. Benfica need a center-back with different characteristics. More imposing physically, dominant in the air, and someone whose hallmark is aggressiveness, in the good sense of the word."

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