Analysis: Why Andre Silva is perfect for AC Milan's revolution

Here's everything you need to know about AC Milan's latest signing, Andre Silva, from the financial details behind the move to a tactical breakdown of how he may be utilised on the pitch.

Related: AC Milan strikes again as Andre Silva seals €38M move from Porto

The Lowdown

• Age: 21
• Position: Forward
• Former club: Porto
• Nationality: Portuguese
• International caps: 8

Financial Details

Porto confirmed in a statement that Milan paid an initial €38-million fee to acquire the 21-year-old Portuguese international, who could net his former club €2 million in potential add-ons if certain achievements are met. Silva signed a five-year contract with the Rossoneri which will reportedly see him earn a base salary of €1.9 million per season.

The fee is well below the player's rumoured €60-million release clause. Problems complying with UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations meant Porto had to an accept an offer much lower than the club may have received had it been in a healthier financial state.

Where will he fit in?

As a true No. 9

Heading into the summer, it was abundantly clear Milan's new Chinese owners, who promised to restore the club to its former heights, had to make significant investments to achieve their objective. Despite clinching a Europa League berth, Milan finished the Serie A season 28 points behind Juventus.

Part of the reason was a lack of consistent scoring. Vincenzo Montella's side finished 10th in Serie A in goals scored, and squandered plenty of golden opportunities along the way.

Enter Silva. Boasting all the characteristics of a modern striker - with an incredible sense of positioning, an ability to beat his man and dribble past opponents, and a maturity belying his years - Silva is perfect for Montella's mobile Milan. The Italian manager tried his best to convert the otherwise static Carlos Bacca into a more fluid player, but the Colombian never seemed to find his footing. Gianluca Lapadula, last summer's recruit, offered a more energetic presence, but failed to score regularly.

Considering Silva spent the majority of the last season as Porto's focal point in a 4-3-3 formation, he should fit easily into a similar scheme at the San Siro.

He has the technique to hold up play and combine with teammates on overlapping runs, although he likes to dart forward from deeper positions himself. Still not the most prolific finisher, he is an opportunistic forward who finds spaces in the penalty area. The fact he scored all 16 of his league goals inside the box last season is a testament to his predatory instincts.

Already a starter for Portugal alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Silva, who participated in Porto's most recent Champions League campaign, has experience at the highest level.

Off another striker

Silva's playmaking skills, coupled with his background as an attacking midfielder, mean he can play virtually anywhere across the front line. It is a luxury that enables Milan to deploy Silva in a No. 10 role and target an accompanying striker to play just ahead of him.

Should the Rossoneri try to bring in a bona fide poacher, Silva could become a deeper threat and offer a foil for his partner. In registering seven assists in the Primeira Liga and the Champions League last term, Silva proved he can lay off nice passes and locate teammates in dangerous areas.

Interchanging with the wingers is also an option here. Considering Suso, Milan's current right-sided attacker, is just as creative of a presence, the two Iberian talents have every opportunity to swap positions and pull defenders out of their comfort zones.

What Montella could get is an extremely flexible front line with the ability to execute his flowing brand of football.

Future Outlook

Forget the media and the speculators: It was Cristiano Ronaldo himself who anointed Silva his successor.

"When I retire, Portugal will still be in good hands," the Real Madrid superstar said recently. "We have a great striker in Andre Silva."

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Many prospects before Silva had hopes of becoming the national team's best No. 9, especially during Ronaldo's heydays on the wing. Nelson Oliveira, Eder - notwithstanding his Euro-winning goal - and others all failed to fill the void left by Pauleta, but Silva has scored for A Seleccao at virtually every level, accruing 28 goals in 37 matches with the U19s, U20s, and U21s before striking seven times in his first eight senior appearances.

There's nothing stopping him from furthering his development at Milan. One of the youngest teams in Italy and Europe, the Rossoneri can grow with him.

Grading the Deal

Coming into the offseason, it was well documented how much money Milan had to spend. The Italian media quoted figures between €140-150 million in available transfer funds, and given the team's struggles against some of Serie A's smaller outfits, investing was a priority.

Instead of being held to ransom by clubs whose players they covet, CEO Marco Fassone and sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli have used the money they have wisely and invested in players below the age of 27.

The deal for Silva is excellent. In this current market, where most signings require overspending, €38 million is actually a discount. Fassone and Mirabelli managed to exploit Porto's weak financial position to negotiate a fee that's more than €20 million less than the player's previous release clause.

Paying for potential is always a risk, but on the evidence of his play with the national team and with Porto, it's clear Silva has all the tools to become one of the game's leading strikers in the coming years.

Verdict: A