AFC Bournemouth have officially completed the signing of highly‑rated Portugal international António Silva from Benfica on a long‑term five‑year contract.
Benfica confirmed the terms in an official statement to Portugal’s CMVM: fixed fee €25 million = approx £21.4 million, with performance‑related add‑ons taking the total possible value up to €30 million = approx £25.7 million. The defender had just one year remaining on his Benfica deal and declined to sign an extension, prompting the club to sell now rather than lose him on a free transfer next summer.
Silva passed his medical earlier this week and has been brought in as the direct replacement for Marcos Senesi, who departed at the end of last season. Bournemouth’s football operations chief Tiago Pinto – formerly of Benfica – played a key role in securing the deal, having tracked the player for some time.
“I am very happy to be here. It’s a pleasure to play for Bournemouth and in the Premier League. I can’t wait to start the season,” Silva told the club website. In his farewell message to Benfica supporters, he added: “Our story doesn’t end here… I will always carry this club in my heart.”
He links up with manager Marco Rose’s squad ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, bringing leadership, ball‑playing quality and big‑match experience at just 22 years old.
