Manchester United have initiated early discussions to find a breakthrough with Benfica for 19-year-old midfielder Joao Neves.
According to Daily Mirror, Manchester United have initiated discussions with Benfica for Joao Neves. The teenage midfield sensation has a €120 million release clause, which the Portuguese club could demand in January, although the Red Devils may have another way to reduce the asking price.
Manchester United in discussions for Joao Neves
Joao Neves is the player who replaced Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, who left last January for nearly €120 million after the Blues found a late agreement with Benfica. The Portuguese side may stare at another such big sale this year following the rapid rise in interest for their 19-year-old midfield maestro Joao Neves.
The holding midfielder has a release clause, and Benfica will demand the total price in January for the €120 million-rated midfield sensation. Manchester United had already contacted Benfica earlier in November for the midfielder and could now accelerate their pursuit.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, since his arrival will, will have had eyes on a statement signing like Neves. While Manchester United are considered the front-runners, they still have plenty to work on with regards to negotiating with Benfica on the price.
Manchester United have initiated discussions with the aim of securing an agreement for the midfielder; there, they might even push the deal until the summer. By then, other competitors could join them in the hunt, which might complicate matters.
Can Manchester United reduce Joao Neves’s asking price?
Benfica held their ground last January for Enzo Fernandez and could maintain a similar stance for Joao Neves amid Manchester United links. The Red Devils will surely hope to reduce the asking price and could use left-back Alvaro Fernandez as a bargaining chip.
The promising left-back is close to joining Benfica on loan until the summer, with a reported option to buy. The report also states Benfica are keen on a permanent transfer for the left-back; there are chances Manchester United will help the Portuguese side with their asking price.
As for Neves, they have a strong interest. But the asking price may seem high. It is steep, especially for a January transfer, especially amid Manchester United’s Financial Fair Play woes. Things could get more apparent in the coming days, although there’s a big chance the €120 million-rated midfield sensation will move out of Benfica only in the summer.