- Manchester United Are Targeting £100m Benfica Youngster Joao Neves
Manchester United are reportedly lining up a move for highly rated Benfica midfielder Joao Neves. United have been monitoring Neves for two years, and they might make a move this summer.
Goal reported earlier this month that a host of clubs are following Joao Neves, but Manchester United are now leading the race to sign the young midfielder.
Manchester United, have been watching Neves since his youth days at Benfica. Neves helped Benfica Under-21 side win the Youth Champions League in 2020/21. He joined up with the senior team last season, and has since impressed scouts and coaches around the world.
The 19-year-old made his debut for Portugal in October 2023 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Joao Neves nailed his spot on Benfica’s starting 11 after the sale of Enzo Fernández last January. Since then, Neves has become one of Benfica’s most important players.
Manchester United want Neves to partner Bruno Fernandes in midfield as the new investors, INEOS, plan to refresh the squad this summer.
Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid are also following him. However, his gargantuan release clause, (€120m) will make things difficult.
Manchester United will splash the cash this summer as long as they’re able to move some players out this coming summer.
Casemiro, Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan Bissaka, Anthony Martial, and some other names will likely leave Old Trafford this season, and that will help free up funds. United aren’t only targeting Joao Neves.
INEOS are looking to bring in a lot of young players to form a new spine at the club. Some names that have been brought up include Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong.
