According to the Sun, Benefica midfielder Rafa Silva is on the radar of Newcastle United, although the move is on hold due to the current suspension of football.
Portuguese player was initially valued by Benefica at £25m, however Newcastle United is hoping they will lower the price for the 26-year-old player to £15m.
Plans are reportedly kept on hold, as Newcastle United wants to see him play regularly before deciding to commit and make a bid. Moreover the club has instalments to pay that were made last summer. Paying off the fees will be a priority before considering any new arrivals.
Antonio Araujo, his agent, said in the interview with Antena 1, that his client is potentially looking for moving on from Benefica in the future.
TugaScout website, which reports the news associated with Portuguese football, published fragments of this interview:
“Rafa is getting close to turning 27. In our opinion, he is a player who is ready to play at a higher level… the Premier League or the Spanish League.”
“I will say that Rafa will fulfil his dream. But the main focus is the one mentioned: Benfica, together with Rafa - or Rafa together with Benfica - can achieve their set objectives.”
(photo credits: Daily Star)
According to the FcTables website, player scored 11 goals in the current season. During the 4 seasons in Benefica, he played 138 matches and scored 37 goals. Benfica is currently on the 2 place in the Liga ZON Sagres table. Website provides the information that in the current season for Benefica, player “gave a total of 32 shots, of which 13 were shots on goal”.
Rafa Silva football player profile displays his strengths, which are dribbling and key passes. He had 4 assists, played 2827 minutes and shots an average of 0.42 goals per game in club competitions.
Silva, 26, can add goals and improve offensive efficiency for Newcastle United, who are currently 13th in the Premier League, having scored 25 goals in 29 games. Portugal’s player signed a contract with Benfica until 30/06/2024.
Steve Bruce to Telegraph about making a number of additions this summer:
“We will add three or four quality players in the summer to the experienced core we have got. We have identified transfer targets and when this blows over, we will make the moves to get them. We know what we need.”