Benfica has rejected Manchester United’s opening offer of £51 million for their talented midfielder Joao Neves.
United wants to make their midfield stronger this summer as they are unsure about Casemiro’s future after a tough second year with the team.
The club is now after Neves, a 19-year-old, for the defensive midfield spot. Even though they made a big first offer, Benfica said no. They want a price near to Neves’ £105 million release clause.
This clause mirrors the fee Chelsea paid for Enzo Fernandez from Benfica 18 months ago. However, it is reported that negotiations for Neves could begin at £85 million.
United isn’t the only one after Neves.
Big teams like Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich also want him. But United is ahead, even though they must pay much more to get this bright young player.
After Fernandez moved to Chelsea last January, Neves took a key spot in Benfica’s mid area.
Since then, he’s played well for the club. This summer, he wants to play beside Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes for Portugal in Euro 2024.
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Fernandes believes Neves can do well in the Premier League, saying, “I’m not sure about the United talks, but I think he’s ready for a big step. He is an excellent player, he’s with the National team. That’s also why the big clubs are after him.”
In January, amid swirling transfer rumors, Benfica issued a rare statement denying that Manchester United had already initiated talks for Neves. This move underscored the high value and importance of Neves to the club.
United’s interest in Neves is driven by their need to bolster their midfield amid Casemiro’s uncertain tenure at Old Trafford.
The Brazilian midfielder’s struggles have made it imperative for United to find a reliable replacement. Neves, with his impressive performances at Benfica, has emerged as a fitting candidate to fill this role.
United wants Neves badly, even with other big clubs after him.
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They know they have to talk hard with Benfica, but getting a top young star from Europe might be just what they need for the next season.
They’re ready to try hard and spend what it takes to make their team better.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on how United deals with these negotiations and whether they can meet Benfica’s demands to bring Joao Neves to Old Trafford.
