Manchester United are reportedly walking away from the race to sign Joao Neves, with the 19-year-old Portuguese international closing in on joining Paris Saint-Germain.
According to a report by Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, Joao Neves has been the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils have monitored the 19-year-old throughout the last 12 months. However, they will not sign him from Benfica in the summer transfer window amid his links with Paris Saint-Germain.
The rise and rise of Joao Neves
Joao Neves is one of the most highly sought-after midfield prospects in the world. A native of Tavira, he began his youth career at his hometown club, CB Tavira, before joining SL Benfica in 2016. Since then, the youngster has gone from strength to strength at the fabled Portuguese club.
The 19-year-old broke into the first-team squad at Benfica in January 2023 and has not looked back in the last 18 months. Neves is now a mainstay in the middle of the park for the Eagles, turning out 75 times thus far for the Portuguese giants while chipping in with four goals and three assists.
In addition, the teenage sensation has already made his debut for Portugal and amassed nine appearances in less than 12 months. Meanwhile, Joao Neves’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have been his prospective suitors in the summer transfer window.
High in demand
Manchester United’s interest in Joao Neves is understandable. The Red Devils have been scouring the market for a midfielder heading into the summer transfer window amid the falling performance levels of Casemiro. So, Neves has emerged as a viable target, with Manchester United already failing with a bid to sign him. The Premier League heavyweights have now cooled on him.
The 19-year-old prefers a move to PSG over Manchester United, compelling the Red Devils to give up in the battle. PSG’s interest in Neves is understandable, with Manuel Ugarte facing an uncertain future at Parc des Princes amid his links with Manchester United.
With the Ligue 1 champions ramping up their efforts to sign the Portuguese international, a summer move is on the cards. As for Manchester United, the Red Devils will likely land Ugarte instead of securing Joao Neves’s services this summer.
