Liverpool are looking at a Portuguese defender compared to Virgil van Dijk for his leadership at the back – and they're prepared to go big for him
(Image credit: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Liverpool have made "The Portuguese Virgil van Dijk" their priority target of the summer transfer window, as Jurgen Klopp looks to rebuild.
The Reds are enduring a tough season, finding themselves 10th in the table and out of both domestic cups, which they won last term by January. Reports suggest that there could be a big rebuild on Merseyside, with big names targeted across the pitch.
Though the midfield has been a big worry for Klopp, Liverpool have already conceded more goals than last season. Virgil van Dijk has dropped below his usual standards and struggled with injuries, while other centre-backs' form has fluctuated.
Virgil van Dijk has struggled with form this season (Image credit: Getty Images)
Football Transfers, however, believe that the Merseysiders are targeting Benfica wonderkid Antonio Silva.
Silva doesn't turn 20 until October and has already been compared with a raft of top European centre-backs including Dutch duo Matthijs de Ligt and Van Dijk himself for his command and leadership defensively. The Portuguese was a part of his nation's World Cup squad and is being coveted by some of the continent's biggest clubs.
Liverpool signing Silva would represent a huge coup – and they may well have a good relationship with the Lisbon outfit, having agreed the transfer for Darwin Nunez in the summer of 2022. With 23-year-old Ibrahima Konate beside Silva, too, the Reds could well have a partnership for the next decade, as Van Dijk – now 31 – begins to edge past his prime.
While the Reds would no doubt love to add Silva to their side this summer, however, the deal may not be straightforward.
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Antonio Silva scored against Juventus in the Champions League this season (Image credit: Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Benfica are in no rush to sell, having recently closed a nine-figure deal for Enzo Fernandez and sold Nunez for around £80m the window previously. Any move for Silva would have to see another huge fee – and with Liverpool already reportedly targeting Bellingham, money may be tight.
Silva is valued to be worth around €15m by Transfermarkt.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
