Manchester United have reportedly been linked with a summer move for highly-rated Portuguese midfielder Joao Neves.
A report from Daily Mail has claimed that Manchester United’s new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has now approved a big-money move for 19-year-old Benfica midfielder Joao Neves. He is likely to cost in excess of £100 million.
Manchester United are in desperate need of central midfield reinforcements, and Neves should prove to be a quality long-term addition. He will add creativity, control and technical ability in the middle of the park.
Manchester United have missed a quality central midfielder like him who can run the play, and the 19-year-old has emerged as a viable target. He could transform the Red Devils in the middle of the park.
Manchester United have quality players at their disposal. But they need to plug the gaps in their squad if they want to challenge for major trophies. Signing a quality central midfielder should be a top priority for them in the summer. They have been linked with players like Frenkie de Jong in recent months as well.
Joao Neves will cost a premium, and the latest update might mean Manchester United are ready to break their transfer record to sign him. Manchester United paid £89 million for Paul Pogba, which is a club-record investment for them. Neves will cost higher at £100 million-plus, and Benfica are unlikely to let him leave for a knockdown price.
Manchester United will have to trigger his release clause to sign in the Portuguese whizkid. Meanwhile, the opportunity to play in the Premier League can be quite attractive for the player, and he will look to prove his quality there.
Manchester United move will excite Joao Neves
Despite their struggles this season, Manchester United and one of the biggest clubs in the world. So, the opportunity to play for them can be hard to turn down for most players. In addition, they could offer him a lucrative contract compared to the one he has at Benfica.
The 19-year-old might look to try out a new challenge. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United follow up on their interest with an official proposal to sign the teenage sensation in the coming months.
Neves has been linked with other Premier League bigwigs as well. So, it is fair to assume that Manchester United might not be the only club trying to sign him in the summer. It will be interesting to see where the 19-year-old ends up.
The £100 million-plus outlay might look like a lot of money right now. But the talented young midfielder certainly has the pedigree to justify the investment in the near future. Manchester United have a proven track record of nurturing young players, and they could help the 19-year-old fulfil his world class potential.
