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Joao Neves is easily one of the most exciting prospects in world football at this time.
The 19-year-old has had a truly incredible season for Benfica this last year with 55 appearances, primarily as a holding midfielder, yet managing to grab three goals and two assists in the Liga Portugal.
Neves is a true homegrown talent of Benfica, having come through their youth squad, graduating to the B team in 2022 before being promoted to the main squad in 2023.
Since then, the Portuguese midfielder has made himself a vital part of the club, helping them achieve a second place finish in Liga Portugal, finishing 10 points below the champions Sporting Lisbon. In the domestic cups, the squad managed to beat Porto 2-0 in the Suertaca Candido de Oliveira final, lifting the trophy, whilst also getting to the Semi Finals of the Allianz Cup and Taca de Portugal.
Despite the club not achieving the success of the 2022/23 season where they won the Liga Portugal, Neves clocked some truly impressive stats.
The 19-year-old was 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.
It’s no surprise from these performances that Neves is a priority target for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s United, with the INEOS owner highlighting the Portuguese youngster as a key player who could be vital to United’s squad going forwards.
Already United have put in an initial bid for the midfielder valued at €60 million, however this has been rejected Rui Costa, Benfica’s president.
TeamTalk have reported that United are currently in the process of developing a second bid, raising their offer to €75 million with a number of add-ons which would take the overall fee to around €85 million.
Supporting the hope of seeing Neves in a Red Devils shirt, Record have reported that although Benfica have tried to extend the 19-year-old’s contract past it’s current end date of 2028, Neves has rejected these offers, potentially boosting the likelihood of United’s deal going through.
