Manchester United have set their sights on Benfica’s young sensation, Joao Neves, despite him recently penning a contract extension with the Portuguese club until 2028 with a hefty £103m release clause.
Florian Plettenburg has affirmed that while the Red Devils aren’t planning a winter swoop, Neves is definitely in their summer transfer agenda. The 19-year-old prodigy isn’t a new name for United, having been under their watchful eyes for a while. Furthermore, he isn’t just attracting attention from Old Trafford; several top European clubs are vying for the Benfica gem.
❗️João #Neves is a potential transfer target for ManUtd! Not in winter, but for summer – confirmed ✔️
➡️ The 19 y/o midfielder is on the list of #MUFC for a long time
➡️ More top clubs are monitoring the top talent from @SLBenfica! @SkySportDE 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/1D5aaLhfWC— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) October 17, 2023
Last season, Neves showcased his prowess by playing a pivotal role in 20 fixtures across all competitions, propelling Benfica to clinch the Primeira Liga title and also making a significant impact in their Champions League journey up to the quarter-finals.
WhoScored’s evaluation of Neves underscores his impressive capabilities – from aerial challenges, precise passing, adept tackling, to efficient ball blocking, he exhibits ‘very strong’ skills, marking him as a talent set to make waves in European football.
Neves being a hot topic among Europe’s elite clubs truly emphasizes his potential.
Given Manchester United’s requirement for players who can rival Casemiro’s prowess, Neves, although more of a playmaking midfielder who leans towards passing rather than dribbling, stands out as a promising prospect for the coming years.
