Manchester United have reportedly taken “concrete steps” to sign 19-year-old Portuguese international Joao Neves from SL Benfica in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by O Jogo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Joao Neves is the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils have been keen on signing a young holding midfielder heading into the summer transfer window. And they have taken “concrete steps” to sign the 19-year-old from SL Benfica.
The rise and rise of Joao Neves
Joao Neves is the latest highly-rated Portuguese wonderkid to rise in prominence in his homeland. The country has produced many promising prospects in the last few years, with Antonio Silva, Goncalo Inacio, and Goncalo Ramos becoming top-rated stars at the club and international levels.
As for Neves, the 19-year-old is a native of Tavira and began his youth career at his hometown club before joining SL Benfica in 2016. He subsequently progressed through the ranks at Benfica before breaking into the first-team squad in January 2023. Since then, Neves has come leaps and bounds, becoming a mainstay in the middle of the park for Roger Schmidt’s side.
The teenage sensation has already turned out 75 times for SL Benfica, chipping in with four goals and three assists. Meanwhile, Neves has made nine appearances for Portugal and featured in UEFA Euro 2024 for the Seleccao. In addition, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Manchester United.
Premier League move beckons?
Manchester United’s interest in Joao Neves is understandable. The Red Devils have been scouring the market for a new holding midfielder heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Casemiro. So, the SL Benfica whizkid has emerged as a viable target for Manchester United.
The Red Devils have already failed with a bid to secure Joao Neves’s services in the summer transfer window. However, they are not giving up and have taken “concrete steps” to bring the 19-year-old Portuguese international to Old Trafford.
Benfica will likely point to the hefty release clause in Joao Neves’s contract to part ways with him in the summer transfer window. However, with Manchester United stepping up the efforts to sign the teenage sensation, a deal might be on the cards.
