Agent Bruno! Why Fernandes is SPOT ON about Man Utd-linked wonderkid

Tom Weber

• Updated: 19 Mar 2024 09:49 GMT
• 11 min read

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has heaped praise on long-standing Red Devils target Joao Neves - and for good reason.

The Benfica wonderkid has burst onto the scene over the past 12 months in the wake of Enzo Fernandez's then-British record transfer to Chelsea. The Portuguese youngster was thrust into the deep end by coach Roger Schmidt to replace the Argentine World Cup and Neves hasn't looked back.

The 19-year-old is now one of the Lisbon side's standout performers and this has naturally attracted the attention of Europe's elite. Man Utd are long-time admirers of the midfielder, having already been linked with a move for him last summer. The rumours surrounding the Red Devils' interest haven't subsided; on the contrary, they have only become stronger in recent months.

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Indeed, so persistent has been the association of Neves with Man Utd that Benfica felt compelled to issue an official club statement on the speculation during the January transfer window. Nevertheless, the Red Devils may feel increasingly confident about eventually landing the youngster, though he won't come cheap due to his €120 million release clause.

Agent Bruno Fernandes

A potential ace up Man Utd's sleeve could be club captain Bruno Fernandes. A teammate of Neves at the national team level, the 29-year-old has spoken about his young compatriot, insisting that he is ready to take the next step in his career.

"I don’t know if the United rumours are true, but I know he is ready for that big jump," Fernandes told Sport TV. "He is an excellent player, he’s with the national team. That’s also why the big clubs are after him." This isn't the first time the Red Devils captain has spoken glowingly about the youngster.

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Last November, Fernandes said that he would love to play alongside Neves at the club level. "He's an excellent player and an excellent kid, very professional. He will have a bright future wherever he goes. I would love to have him by my side. Because he has quality and will have a bright future. It depends on him. What I want most is the best for him."

Fernandes is certainly right to heap praise on Neves. According to data experts SciSports, the 19-year-old has the potential to become a key player for Man Utd. Indeed, Neves is rated among the world's top U21 midfielders and he has been one of the Portuguese top flight's standout players this season despite his tender years.

Such has been Neves' meteoric rise to stardom that his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has skyrocketed to unbelievable heights over the last 12 months. In March 2023, Neves was worth €300,000. Now, his stocks stand at a whopping €41.3m.