OFFICIAL: PSG complete signing of Benfica midfielder Joao Neves

Updated: 5 Aug 2024 15:03 BST
3 min read

Paris Saint-Germain have officially completed the signing of SL Benfica midfielder Joao Neves on a five-year deal.

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The Portuguese international has joined the Ligue 1 giants for a reported initial fee of €60 million, while his eventual transfer fee could reach €70m if potential add-on clauses are met.

In addition, Renato Sanches will return to Benfica on a one-year loan deal - with his wages covered by the Ligue 1 side - as part of the transfer.

Neves has left Benfica after making 75 first-team appearances for his boyhood club, scoring four goals and providing three assists.

The 19-year-old made his senior debut for the club in a 3-0 defeat to Braga in January 2023, and he replaced Enzo Fernandez following the Argentine’s record-breaking move to Chelsea.

Neves helped the club win the Portuguese top flight title just months later, while he was named Man of the Match during Benfica’s win over Porto in the 2023 Super Cup final.

The Portuguese international, who competed at the 2024 European Championship with his nation, will join an exciting crop of midfielders at PSG.

Vitinha, Warren Zaire-Emery, Gabriel Moscardo, Fabian Ruiz, Kang-in Lee, Carlos Soler, Danilo Pereira and Manuel Ugarte are all options available to Luis Enrique, although the latter has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United.

Neves told the official PSG website: "I'm very proud to be joining Paris Saint-Germain, a very ambitious Club. I'm going to give my all to help my team-mates, to grow at this fantastic Club and to win numerous titles."

Manuel Ugarte to Man Utd?

Neves’ move to PSG will come as a boost to Man Utd. Although the Red Devils were previously interested in signing the Portugal midfielder, they have turned their attention to the aforementioned Ugarte.

The Uruguay international struggled for consistent minutes during the second half of his debut campaign at PSG and the arrival of Neves could help Man Utd land him.

However, FootballTransfers understands that PSG will only sanction a sale if a bid of €60m is lodged as they are eager to avoid turning a loss on the former Sporting CP midfielder.

Read more about: Liga Portugal Bwin, Ligue 1, Benfica, PSG, João Neves