Benfica have downright rejected a €60 million initial offer made by Manchester United for Joao Neves. The Portuguese side believe that Neves is far more worth than United’s valuation of the midfielder.
Manchester United are keen to reinforce their defense after a horrific season. The Red Devils conceded 58 goals in the Premier League this season, 1 more than their total Goals For tally. Injuries plagued the entire Red Devils’ squad with more than 65 distinct cases of absentees witnessed.
The journey of Joao Neves so far
Neves began his youth career as a prodigy at Benfica’s youth academy in 2016. The 19-year old graduated Benfica Academy in 2022. The Portuguese made his senior debut for Benfica B in 2022.
Moreover, the 19-year old impressed Roger Schmidt with his playing style and hard work. The Portuguese made his first team debut in 2023 as a substitute. Just a couple of months later, Neves went on to feature for Benfica in the Champions League.
Additionally, the Portuguese was handed an opportunity to replace Enzo Fernandez after the Argentinian’s departure to Chelsea. Neves made the most of the chance and earned a place for himself in the starting XI over Florentino Luis. Followingly, the Portuguese made 20 appearances in Liga Portugal guiding his side to a league title triumph in 2022-23 season. Moreover, Neves won the Supertaca Candido de Oliveira 2023 with Benfica.
Neves continued to soar this season. The 19-year old midfielder put in vital shifts for Benfica. For his formidable run of form, Neves was named as the Primeira Liga Midfielder of the Month 5 times out of 6 from September 2023 to March 2024. The Portuguese helped his side to a 2nd place finish with 80 points in the Liga Portugal.
Neves won his first national cap in October 2023. Since then, the 19-year old has already made 5 appearances for Portugal.
Manchester United want Joao Neves: Here’s why!
Erik Ten Hag had to play with 6th or 7th choice center backs in the final few games of the season with Sofyan Amrabat and Casemiro lining up at the back. Moreover, United’s squad isn’t getting any younger. Lisandro Martinez and Willy Kambwala are the only two young center backs in the United roster.
Raphael Varane is leaving Old Trafford as a free agent. Additionally, Lisandro Martinez is injury prone and Casemiro has attracted interest from Saudi. United will need a young defensive midfielder to control things at the back. Joao Neves has been identified as potential target by the Red Devils.
Neves is agile and technically sound and possesses good control of the ball and quality passing abilities. Moreover, the 19 year old is calm and brave with the ball. The Portuguese also works well to retain position in difficult scenarios and can challenge well for aerial duels. Moreover, Joao Neves will be a part of Portugal’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Euro.
Current United captain Bruno Fernandes believes that his Portuguese counterpart is ready for the move and thinks of him highly. Fernandes stated:
‘He is an excellent player, he’s with the National team. That’s also why the big clubs are after him.’
United’s initial bid for Joao Neves rejected
The Red Devils made an initial offer of €60 million for the 19-year old midfielder. However, Benfica president Rui Costa is unhappy with the offered bid. Benfica want an offer closer to Neves’ £105 million release clause. Although, reports imply that negotiations may begin from £85 million for the youngster.
However, the Red Devils will have to engage in a battle with Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, PSG and Bayern Munich for Neves. Nevertheless, United are currently at the forefront to secure a move for the 19-year old.
The Red Devils will definitely be shaking up their squad under INEOS and Neves could be a key replacement for the the Red Devils.
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