Joao Neves in the crosshairs of Manchester United. Is the Portuguese super talent really worth £100m?

Benfica boasts an excellent academy. Only Ajax has kept pace with it in recent years in terms of sales. The sale of another great talent could then bring another big income to the club’s coffers. They are none other than Joao Neves, who is being courted by Manchester United.

In the last league round, Benfica defeated their current biggest rival in the Portuguese league, which is Sporting, and got ahead of coach Ruben Amorim’s team by a score. Neves was the highest scoring player of the match, equalizing in the 93rd minute to make it 1-1. Casper Tengstedt added another goal 3 minutes later and the stadium erupted in euphoria.

Neves is doing very well overall. After a couple of experienced matadors, including Ángel Di María and Rafa, he and another great talent, António Silva, are Benfica’s highest rated players according to Whoscored. This is a big deal considering the fact that he only pushed his way into the A-team this January!

The native of Tavira, Portugal, has already had several successes such as winning the Portuguese league and the Super Cup. But the biggest achievement so far is probably winning the UEFA Youth League, which Benfica won for the first time in the 2021/22 season.

Joao Neves and Manchester United?

He’s of course getting noticed not just at Manchester United, but all over Europe. But according to English media, the English club is most interested in the 174 cm tall midfielder.

According to the latest reports, the Red Devils are planning to pay Neves’ buyout clause, which is set at €100 million. However, Old Trafford is undergoing some transformation at the moment, so we are waiting to see what the new management has to say.

Neves, however, could be the perfect reinforcement. The defensive midfielder position is currently held by Casemiro at Manchester United. But he will be 32 years old next February and is often missing. In England, they traditionally deal with small players. But he’s very fast and strong because of this handicap.

Plus, he’s a very active player who wants the ball as much as possible. He is totally committed to football and his intelligence is often praised. He therefore has all the ingredients to become one of the best players at his position in the next few years.

Manchester United, who are currently struggling in the centre of midfield, would very much welcome that. Often players like Bruno Fernandes and others are withdrawn to the full-backs and are consequently missing up front. A quality midfield is therefore useful.

Source: Twitter, Goal, Transfermarkt, Benfica