Bournemouth have secured the signing of Portugal international centre-back Antonio Silva from Benfica in a deal worth up to £25.7 million, with the initial fee set at £21.4 million and a further £4.3 million available in add-ons.

The 22-year-old arrives on the south coast as a direct replacement for Marcos Senesi, who departed over the summer, leaving a vacancy on the left side of Bournemouth's central defence. Silva fits the profile the club were targeting — a tall, physically strong defender comfortable playing out from the back.

A decorated career at just 22

Despite his age, Silva made 237 appearances for Benfica, a remarkable tally that reflects just how central he was to the Lisbon club's plans across multiple seasons. During that time, he collected six trophies with club and country and was named the best defender in the Portuguese league during the 2022/23 campaign.

Internationally, Silva has earned 20 caps for Portugal. He made his mark on the global stage at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, representing his country at just 19 years old. He also featured at Euro 2024 before helping Portugal claim the 2025 UEFA Nations League title.

Silva brings a winning mentality to the Vitality

Bournemouth see Silva as a player whose combination of European pedigree and a proven winning record sets him apart. His ability on the ball, alongside his physical presence and defensive reliability, made him the standout candidate to fill the void left by Senesi's exit.

The Cherries are confident that Silva's experience — accumulated at the highest level of club and international football despite his youth — will make an immediate impact at the Vitality Stadium.