Benfica Defender Turns Down Massive Al-Hilal Offer as He Hopes to Stay in Europe

Antonio Silva Eyes Big European Move After Shining at Club World Cup – Despite Al-Hilal’s €45m Bid

In an age where eye-watering contracts and mega-salaries in Saudi Arabia are luring some of Europe’s finest to the Middle East, one young defender has chosen to hold his ground. Benfica’s rising star Antonio Silva has rejected a massive offer from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal, opting instead to chase his European dream.

It’s a decision that speaks volumes—not just about Silva’s character, but also about his ambitions. At just 21, the Portugal international has made it clear: he’s not ready to cash in. Not yet.

WHAT HAPPENED? A Record Offer, Respectfully Declined

According to reports from Portuguese outlet A Bola, Al-Hilal tabled a mouthwatering €7 million-per-year salary for Silva, along with a €45 million transfer fee offered directly to Benfica. It was the kind of proposal that has tempted many, from Premier League regulars to Champions League winners.

But Silva, who has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising centre-backs over the past two seasons, declined.

Sources close to the player say Silva’s decision wasn’t taken lightly. But ultimately, it came down to one thing: footballing ambition. The Benfica academy product has his sights set on one of Europe’s elite leagues—Serie A, La Liga, the Premier League. He wants to play at the very top of the European game, week in and week out.

And he believes now is the time.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Benfica Ready to Cash In?

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Silva’s stance may delight football romantics, but Benfica now face a tricky decision. The club has always operated as a talent factory, polishing raw diamonds before selling them on to Europe’s top-tier sides. And Silva, after a breakout 2022-23 campaign followed by a commanding 2024-25 season, is undoubtedly their crown jewel.

The Lisbon club had hoped to keep him for at least one more season, but his 46 appearances across all competitions—including standout performances at the FIFA Club World Cup—have turned him into one of the most sought-after young defenders on the market.

His performance in Benfica’s showdown with Bayern Munich in that tournament—where he not only held his own but dominated physically and tactically—earned widespread praise. It was a defining moment. A coming-of-age display on the global stage.

With his stock rising and interest from the likes of Juventus, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica may now be preparing to let him go—just not to Saudi Arabia.

DID YOU KNOW? Al-Hilal’s Aggressive Summer Plan

It’s no secret that Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia’s biggest club, is on a mission to build a super squad. After attracting the likes of Neymar and Ruben Neves in recent windows, the Riyadh-based side has kept its foot on the gas.

Silva wasn’t their only defensive target either. Sources indicate that AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez is close to finalizing a move, with terms agreed pending the end of Al-Hilal’s Club World Cup campaign.

They’ve also approached several other top European talents in recent months—some successful, many not. The rejection from Silva is another reminder that for some players, Europe still holds more appeal than high paychecks.

THE PLAYER: Who Is Antonio Silva?

Born in Viseu in 2003, Antonio Silva joined Benfica’s youth system at the age of 12. His rise through the ranks was steady rather than meteoric, but once he broke into the first team under former boss Roger Schmidt in 2022, he never looked back.

Tall, intelligent, and composed beyond his years, Silva quickly drew comparisons to past Portuguese greats like Ricardo Carvalho. But he’s also part of a new breed of defenders—comfortable with the ball, sharp in transition, and tactically astute.

Silva made his Portugal senior debut in 2022 and has since become a regular in Roberto Martinez’s squad, playing alongside the likes of Ruben Dias and Danilo Pereira.

His ability to read the game, break lines with passing, and dominate aerially makes him a natural fit for top European systems. For many scouts and technical directors, he’s a “plug-and-play” centre-back—ready for the elite level today.

INTEREST FROM EUROPE: Juventus, Premier League Clubs Watching

Juventus have had Silva on their radar since last January. A formal approach didn’t materialize then, but with the Serie A side preparing for a defensive rebuild, talks could reignite.

Across the Channel, several Premier League sides are believed to be closely monitoring his situation. Both Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with a move, although neither club has made a formal bid.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid—always alert to rising stars—reportedly sent scouts to monitor Silva during the Club World Cup. While Los Blancos already boast centre-back depth, they’re known for signing top young talent early, especially from the Portuguese league.

Benfica, for their part, are believed to be holding out for an offer closer to Silva’s €100 million release clause, though they may negotiate down if it becomes clear the player wants to leave this summer.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ANTONIO SILVA?

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With pre-season training around the corner, Silva remains focused on his football. Sources say he’s still training at Benfica’s facilities and has maintained full professionalism amid transfer speculation.

But behind the scenes, his agents are exploring European opportunities—and clubs are watching closely.

There’s a strong belief that a move could materialize before the end of July, particularly if one of the big European sides misses out on their primary defensive targets. Benfica are open to talks—but only on their terms.

As for Al-Hilal, they will shift their attention elsewhere. Though disappointed by Silva’s refusal, the club is used to rejection—and well-resourced enough to pivot quickly.

FINAL WORD: A Young Man With His Eyes on the Top

In a football world increasingly swayed by finance, Antonio Silva’s decision to turn down €7 million a year is as refreshing as it is rare. It’s not an indictment of Saudi football—far from it. But it is a declaration: his journey is far from over, and the next chapter, he believes, must be written in Europe.

For Benfica, this could be the final few weeks of having one of Europe’s most exciting defenders in their squad. For top clubs across the continent, it might just be the perfect time to make their move.

Silva is ready.

Not for a payday.

But for greatness.