Benfica’s steadfast demand to sell Joao Neves for €120 million has reportedly priced Liverpool and Manchester United out of a summer move.
According to a report by Caught Offside, Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in Joao Neves. The two Premier League heavyweights are keen on signing a holding midfielder in the summer transfer window. However, the two bigwigs are likely out of the race to sign the 19-year-old midfielder, with Benfica uninterested in selling him for less than €120 million.
The rapid rise of Joao Neves
Joao Neves has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the world since breaking into the first-team squad at SL Benfica. The teenage sensation has been with the Eagles since 2016 and has gone from strength to strength in the last eight years at the Portuguese club.
The 19-year-old made his first-team bow in January 2023 and has seen his stock skyrocket in the last 18 months. Neves is now a mainstay in the middle of the park for Benfica, turning out 75 times thus far for the Portuguese giants while chipping in with four goals and three assists.
Neves has also established a foothold in the Portuguese national squad, making nine appearances for the Seleccao. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, particularly from the Premier League. Liverpool and Manchester United are his prospective suitors.
Will Neves move to England this summer?
Liverpool’s interest in Joao Neves is understandable. The Reds have been scouring the market for a holding midfielder heading into the summer transfer window, even though they signed Wataru Endo last summer. However, with Endo on the wrong side of 30, Neves is a viable target for Liverpool.
As for Manchester United, they are keen on signing a holding midfielder this summer due to the dropping performance levels of Casemiro. Neves has thus been an option worth considering for Manchester United. However, a summer move will unlikely see the light of day for both clubs.
Neves has a release clause worth €120 million in his contract with Benfica. The Portuguese giants are adamant they will only part ways with the 19-year-old Portuguese international if his suitors trigger his release clause. So, the Eagles might have priced Liverpool and Manchester United out of a summer move.
