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

Pedro Sousa believes that Benfica did good business by selling António Silva to Bournemouth for €25 million, plus €5 million in add-ons, but argues that the Eagles now have to strengthen the heart of the defense with a player boasting standout physical attributes.

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

"He leaves on the back of a good performance. Very calm, even though he could have been under pressure because of the moment. Knowing it was his last game, wearing the captain’s armband, but António Silva played a very good match and will remember his final game for Benfica well, and life goes on. €25 million is a lot of money for someone whose contract ends 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 replacement up to the task, arguing for the signing of a center-back with greater physical capacity and presence in the air.

“Now, for Benfica, it’s not just about saying it’s a very good deal, it’s what the coach said: ‘when is the replacement going to arrive?’ Yesterday it wasn’t needed, but a week ago that weakness was noticeable. Benfica need a center-back with different characteristics. More imposing physically, dominant in the air, and one who makes aggressiveness, in the positive sense of the word, a trademark."

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