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On the back of last season, United are expected to delve into the transfer market this summer to make big changes to the team, especially with new ownership in the form of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.
Ratcliffe is rumoured to be implementing a new transfer policy whereby the Red Devils are looking at signing young players under the age of 25 who are showing a lot of promise and potential. The aim of this is to build a younger team who can carry United to success for years to come.
With this in mind, it’s making sense why United are letting go of veterans of the game, with Raphael Varane leaving Old Trafford at the end of his contract with no new club lined up, and the Red Devils reportedly looking at offloading Casemiro amongst a series of interest from Saudi Arabia, potentially reuniting him with his old teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo.
If Casemiro is set to leave this summer, United are going to need to get a replacement in fast, and with the new policy in mind, Joao Neves of Benfica has been a prime target of Ratcliffe’s to bring to Old Trafford.
The new co-owner of United highlighted the Portuguese youngster as a key player who could be vital to United’s squad going forwards.
It’s clear to see why, with the 19-year-old putting in an impressive display since joining the senior squad from the Benfica academy, helping them win the Liga Portugal in 2022/23 and this year’s Portuguese Super Cup, beating Porto 2-0 in the final.
Last season, Neves wracked up some really impressive stats being in the top five per cent of blocks, the top two percent of passes attempted and the top three per cent for tackles, duels won and recoveries.
Today, publication Record has announced that United have put in an initial bid for the wonderkid, valued at €60 million, however this has been rejected by Benfica president Rui Costa.
It’s being thought that the Portuguese club are holding out for offers in excess of €100 million, with Neves having a release clause of €120 million in his contract, however it’s unexpected for this to be activated any time soon.
United could potentially include a series of add-ons if they decide to go for another bid, which could ultimately bring down the final price of the 19-year-old.
It’s also thought that United may try to build upon the recent relationship built between the two clubs on the back of Alvaro Fernandez joining Benfica from the Red Devils.
With O Jogo recently reporting a whole host of European giants interested in the midfielder, such as Liverpool, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and PSG, United will have to act fast if they want to secure Neves future at Old Trafford.
