Prem Bound? The clubs who should look to sign Portugal midfielder
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A number of the Premier League’s so-called ‘top clubs’ struggled for creativity in midfield last season, and find themselves in need of a new spark in the middle of the park. But they could well have seen the perfect solution at the Euros this summer – Adrien Silva of Portugal. So why is he the ideal fit?
The 27-year-old netted nine times from central midfield last season for club side Sporting Lisbon.
With superb distribution and a willingness to track back and get stuck in, he also provided eight assists and more than a few crucial challenges, en route to an impressive second-placed finish for Sporting, in the Primeira Liga.
A product of the Sporting youth system, Silva rejoined Verdos e Brancos in 2012 from rivals Academica, and his goalscoring prowess and slick passing game have continued to develop with the Lisbon outfit.
One obvious destination for the Angouleme-born midfielder is Old Trafford. Manchester United produced a meagre 49 Premier League goals last season, their lowest top-flight total since 1989-90.
With a sluggish central midfield, it’s vital the Red Devils inject pace and some of that classic United flair next season, and the quick and inventive Silva would be just the fit – while also being able to cope with the physicality of the English game.
Having drawn a blank on eight occasions last season, and currently lacking depth in central midfield, Chelsea could also have the Sporting star earmarked as the strong and skilful midfielder they need.
However, the best fit for the 27-year-old may be Leicester City. With N’Golo Kante possibly set to exit the King Power Stadium, Silva could be the ideal replacement, and with Transfermarkt.co.uk estimating his value at £13.5m, he isn’t out of the Foxes’ financial grasp.
In the short-term, the player’s focus will be on Portugal’s quarter-final clash with Poland. It’s 5/4 for a Selecao victory, while Poland can be backed at 29/10, and 2/1 for the draw.
Meanwhile, Silva is 11/2 to score anytime. A crucial goal on the biggest stage could well see one of the above clubs delving into their warchest to sign this midfield magician.
Transfermarkt.co.uk valuation: £13.5m / Potential Prem Clubs: Chelsea, Leicester City, Manchester United
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
