Portugal centre-back Antonio Silva has completed a move to Bournemouth in a transfer worth up to £25.7m and says he’s thrilled to start life in the Premier League.
The 22-year-old arrives from Benfica, where he became a first-team regular in 2022 and gained experience in the Champions League, Europa League and Club World Cup.
Bournemouth had prioritised signing a replacement for Marcos Senesi after the defender left for Tottenham on a free earlier this month.
“I’m very happy to be here. It’s a pleasure to play for Bournemouth and in the Premier League,” Silva told the club’s website. “I can’t wait to get started with my team-mates. The mentality is always to win—I’ll give my best and play for the fans. Everything is in place here to help us perform.”
Club sources said the agreement was finalised after Benfica’s Europa League qualifying victory over Swiss side St Gallen on Thursday. The deal is structured as an initial £21.4m fee with a further £4.3m in add-ons.
Silva has 20 senior caps for Portugal and was part of the 2022 World Cup squad. He was not selected by Roberto Martinez for this summer’s European Championship.
“Antonio is a player we have admired for a long time and we’re delighted to bring him to AFC Bournemouth,” said Tiago Pinto, the club’s president of football operations. “Despite being only 22, he already has significant experience at one of Europe’s top clubs, competing regularly in domestic, European and international competitions. That background has helped him develop real maturity, leadership and a winning mentality.”
Silva becomes Bournemouth’s second summer arrival following striker Alvaro Rodriguez’s move from Elche, also in a deal worth up to £25.7m.
With new head coach Marco Rose in place, the Cherries are targeting a calmer window after selling players for more than £200m last year. The club intends to keep hold of key talents Alex Scott, Rayan and Junior Kroupi. Kroupi is expected to be sidelined for three to four months after an injury sustained in pre-season.