As ‘contact made’ amid a $109 million release clause, Liverpool may sign the perfect player for Arne Slot.

A center-back is needed by Liverpool this summer, and ‘contact’ has reportedly been established with a prime candidate to replace Arne Slot. He had previously been connected to the Reds.

Liverpool does require a center-back this time around, albeit less obviously than they did with their desperate search for a new midfield last summer. Arne Slot has a strong team to work with, but it would be wise to add some extra depth to the back line.

The majority of Ibrahima Konate’s Liverpool career has been marred by injuries, and Joel Matip is expected to go as a free agent. Despite Jarell Quansah’s outstanding season the previous year, there needs to be another choice.

António Silva and Florentino Luís, two Benfica players who defeated Famalicao last year, were watched by officials, according to 90min. Furthermore, the former is once more being linked to a move to Anfield.

Correio da Manha, a Portuguese publication (print edition via Paisley Gates), alleges that Liverpool has ‘already made contact’ over a potential trade for the midfielder, who is valued at $109 million (£85 million/150,00 euros).

It also claims that Arsenal and Manchester United are interested. Silva is a 1.87-meter-tall modern defender. When asked to make more direct passes up the pitch, he appears like a natural with the ball, showing true ease and control combined with a wide passing range.

The Portuguese international has plenty of time to keep improving, but it is debatable if he possesses the speed necessary to occupy the high Liverpool defensive line and daring offside trap. Still a long way from the finished product, despite his unexpected ascent to prominence as a captivating superstar.

The season prior, Silva established himself as a regular starter for Benfica, taking Jan Vertonghen’s place after the Belgian left for Anderlecht in the offseason. Following the Uruguayan striker’s success at the Estádio da Luz, Liverpool signed a certain Darwin Núñez from Benfica in the same transfer window.

The giants of Portugal have a reputation for finding hidden gems on the transfer market; Enzo Fernández is just one such example. Three Portuguese news sources claimed that he was expected to sign with Anfield in the winter of 2023, but Chelsea signed him for an outrageous sum during the final hours of the winter window.

Football Transfers announced before the summer that Silva was one of Liverpool’s “top targets” for the forthcoming transfer window. Fichajes implied that the Reds were “confident” about winning the race. Even though it never materialised, Silva ought to be at the top of the Reds’ priority list this time around.

The fact that Núñez and Fernández are known to Liverpool indicates that they are well aware of Silva and his potential. Julian Ward, who has ties to Portugal thanks to his prior employment with their football organisation, may also find himself on Merseyside in the near future. After he left Benfica for Anfield, Núñez cleared the way for Silva, who might end up following in his footsteps.