Marco Silva ‘to target’ Stepán Chaloupek as António Silva successor at Benfica | OneFootball

Marco Silva has identified Stepán Chaloupek as António Silva's replacement at Benfica, with the club set to move for the Slavia Prague centre-back. António Silva is not renewing his contract and is ready to join Bournemouth.

According to iSport, Benfica want the 23-year-old right-footed centre-back and the Rui Costa-led hierarchy are preparing a 12 million euro bid, which is expected to be rejected, amid interest from Hull City, Ipswich Town and Hamburg.

Chaloupek was pivotal in Slavia's Czech title win, delivering eight goals and two assists in 28 league games. He earned a World Cup call-up and played once, a 2-1 loss to South Korea.

Benfica have recent history with Slavia Prague. They signed Alexander Bah in 2022 and David Jurásek in 2023. Jurásek returned to the Czech club in January after loans to Hoffenheim and Besiktas.

In 2025/26 for Slavia Prague, Chaloupek, valued at 10 million euros, made 38 appearances. That included 27 in the Czech league, eight in the Champions League, two in the Czech Cup and one in the second tier. He logged 2,610 minutes, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists.

Source: Glorioso 1904