Benfica Stand Firm on Antonio Silva as AC Milan Play Waiting Game

FolioPitch.com – 01 July 2026 | AC Milan‘s pursuit of Benfica‘s highly-rated defender Antonio Silva has hit an early roadblock, as the Portuguese club has made it clear they will not sell cheaply. According to reports, the situation reflects the phrase ‘GdS Benfica put up a wall for Antonio Silva why Milan are not in a rush’, as the Rossoneri remain patient despite initial resistance.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that a recent meeting between super-agent Jorge Mendes and Benfica officials did not result in a breakthrough. The Portuguese club, led by president Rui Costa and sporting director Mario Branco, reiterated their stance: they want to keep Antonio Silva and are pushing for a contract renewal. For now, a move for the 20-year-old centre-back appears unlikely at the €20m valuation that Milan had hoped to negotiate.

Silva’s current contract runs until June 2027, but Benfica’s offer of a new deal in mid-May has not been accepted. The player is believed to be keen on exploring his options this summer, with Milan representing an attractive destination, especially under the guidance of new coach Ruben Amorim. However, Benfica are holding firm, insisting that they will not be pressured into selling one of their prized assets. This stands in stark contrast to the club’s history of selling top talent, but recent fan pressure has made the hierarchy more cautious about letting stars leave for undervalued fees.

What gives Milan confidence is the ticking clock. While Silva’s contract runs for another three years, the dynamics of the transfer market could shift as the summer progresses. The Rossoneri are aware that Benfica’s negotiating position weakens with each passing day. As the season approaches, the pressure to either secure a renewal or sell at a decent price increases. This is precisely why ‘GdS Benfica put up a wall for Antonio Silva why Milan are not in a rush’ – the Italian club can afford to wait, knowing that the longer this drags on, the more leverage they may gain.

Interestingly, Benfica are also dealing with a similar situation regarding Norwegian talent Andreas Schjelderup, who has refused to extend his contract, which expires in 2028. While Silva’s contract is longer, the pattern suggests that Benfica cannot afford to let too many players run down their deals. However, Silva’s case is different because his contract still has significant time remaining. Yet, if he refuses to renew, Benfica risk losing him on a free transfer in a few years. This puts the Portuguese club in a delicate position: either convince him to sign a new deal with a promise of a future move, or sell him this summer while his value is high.

For Milan, this is not the only option in defence. The club is monitoring several other centre-backs, especially if Fikayo Tomori departs. However, it is premature to make such assessments before the new coach has assessed the squad. Meanwhile, Milan’s transfer market leaders are not panicking. They understand that patience could be a virtue in this negotiation.

The keyword ‘GdS Benfica put up a wall for Antonio Silva why Milan are not in a rush’ perfectly encapsulates the current standoff. Benfica have erected a barrier, but Milan are content to see if it crumbles over time. Both sides are playing a strategic game, and the resolution may only come in the final weeks of the window.

In conclusion, AC Milan’s interest in Antonio Silva remains alive, but Benfica’s resistance is strong. The Rossoneri are adopting a calm approach, confident that time is on their side. As the summer unfolds, this transfer saga could become one of the most intriguing stories of the window, with both clubs sticking to their positions. For now, fans of both clubs will have to wait and see who blinks first.