António Silva is set to become a Bournemouth player, with the English club having reached an agreement with Benfica to pay a fixed fee of €25 million, plus up to an additional €5 million in performance-related add-ons tied to both the player’s and Bournemouth’s results, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Silva is already en route to England after departing Lisbon on Friday morning, just hours after starting in Benfica’s 5-0 win over St. Gallen. The Portuguese center-back traveled to Tires aerodrome but declined to speak with reporters, and is now expected to undergo the customary medical examinations in England.
At 22, Silva is set to make the move to the Premier League, leaving Benfica a decade after first arriving at the club’s Seixal academy. The Portugal international had just one year left on his contract at the Estádio da Luz and reportedly turned down a renewal offer, prompting Benfica to sell him this summer rather than risk losing him for free in a year’s time.
Marco Silva had already indicated the defender’s departure was effectively settled, speaking after confirming the club’s progression to the third qualifying round of the Europa League.
Read more about this topic: Benfica: Bournemouth closing in on signing António Silva
Benfica’s coach told reporters in the mixed zone that it was possibly António Silva’s final match for the club, though he noted circumstances can always shift.
Silva explained that shortly after his own arrival as coach, the necessary negotiations took place between the player, Benfica and his representatives, and that regardless of any offers from other clubs, the decision had already been made by the player, the club and his representatives.
Marco Silva added that throughout their time working together, whether or not a renewal was possible, the defender remained an exemplary professional who performed well and earned his place in the side, which is why he was given the start on Friday.
🚨🍒 Antonio Silva to Bournemouth, here we go! Deal now signed between clubs for the centre back.
€25m fixed fee, €5m add-ons and medical to follow as Benfica authorized Silva for travel.
New centre back for #AFCB. 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/9oCf149Use
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2026
