Man Utd get MAJOR Joao Neves update as Benfica reveal WONDERKID transfer plan

Graham Shaw

11 Jun 2024 07:30 BST
2 min read

Man Utd are desperate to sign Portuguese prodigy Joao Neves this summer, but the saga is set to run and run.

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The brilliant 19-year-old midfielder has become one of Europe's hottest transfer properties in the past couple of seasons - notably as he helped Benfica become champions of Portugal in 2022-23.

The price for Neves will not be cheap - the young star has a release clause of €120m in his current Lisbon deal while sources suggest Benfica might be willing to do business at €100m.

We reported last week Joao Neves, an offer that was predictably and swiftly rebuffed by Benfica.

Now there is further frustration for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his football operations department, with Benfica deciding to play the long game.

Benfica Joao Neves plan REVEALED

According to respected local outlet Record, the club's president Rui Costa has made a strategic decision to shut down any talks or negotiations regarding Joao Neves or his Benfica team-mate Antonio Silva.

Costa's reasoning is that the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament will show Neves in a good light and only push his potential price even further. Maybe then he believes Benfica will actually get that €120m release clause in full.

Benfica of course have already tried to get Neves to sign a new contract to stay in Lisbon, with their plan being to increase that release clause to €150m. But it appears their offer did not match the player's expectations and a return to the negotiating table is unlikely.

While Benfica obviously have their price in mind for Joao Neves, our ETV (Estimated Transfer Value) for the player is currently hovering around €70.5m.

The delay around Neves will likely worry senior figures at Old Trafford. They are already behind the clock in their decision making on the future of manager Erik ten Hag.

Initially it had appeared likely he would be relieved of his duties after two seasons, but with every passing day him remaining becomes more likely.

Top target Thomas Tuchel has already ruled himself out of the race after his departure from Bayern Munich, while England manager Gareth Southgate would not be available until at least after his team concludes its Euro 2024 glory bid in Germany.