The agent of Benfica attacker Rafa Silva has confirmed that Newcastle United are keen on bringing the player to St. James’ Park this summer.
The 22-year-old winger, who moved to his current club from Braga for £14m in 2016, has scored 15 goals and registered two assists in 19 Primeira Liga starts, meaning the winger has now doubled in price and has a release clause of £51.3m, according to the Newcastle Chronicle.
Speaking to Portuguese radio station Radio Renascenca’s Bola Branca programme, Antonio Araujo claimed that Newcastle remain interested in bringing the player to the North East.
“[Newcastle] are one of those [teams] interested,” the agent said.
“Whatever happens, will happen. Now, the main focus is to be a champions [in Portugal]. Benfica know what Rafa wants [in terms of a new contract], so we are waiting calmly.
“I think it’s going to happen because there is a will from the club and there is Rafa’s will as well. The player is well at Benfica, now he wants to see his salary situation go to what he [feels he] really represents for Benfica.”
Good move for Newcastle?
Definitely. Since moving to Benfica from Braga, Silva’s stock has risen immensely. Fifteen goals in 19 league games is no easy feat and the 22-year-old will add an exciting dimension to Newcastle’s attack. They may need to invest in new attacking talent too, with Salomon Rondon and Kenedy both currently expected to head back to West Brom and Chelsea, respectively, when their loan deals expire at the end of the season.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
As with seemingly every transfer Newcastle plan to do nowadays, it will all come down to whether the club are willing to spend a decent amount of money to secure top targets.
Newcastle Chronicle journalist Chris Waugh claims that Silva will cost more than £20million, which means a transfer for the winger could be one that breaks club’s current transfer record of £24million, which was paid in January for Miguel Almiron.
The Magpies are unlikely to want to break their transfer record twice in as many seasons, but could be spurred on by the fact that they might be able to get him for cheaper than the £51.3m advertised by Benfica for his services.
This is Futbol rating 3/10