CONFIRMED: PSG aiming to beat Man Utd and Arsenal in €100m Neves transfer

Suraj Radia

Updated: 27 Jun 2024 19:10 BST
4 min read

Paris Saint-Germain are interested in signing Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, rivalling Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester United in the chase, The Transfers Podcast understands.

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Neves, 19, is already a full Portugal international and is currently with Roberto Martinez’s squad as they prepare for a Euro 2024 knockout match against Slovenia.

He featured in two group stage matches, appearing from the bench in the 3-0 win against Turkey and playing 75 minutes during the Selecao’s final group game against Georgia.

Neves played 55 matches in total for Benfica last season, including six in the Champions League.

STATS

João Neves

M (C), DM (L)

Benfica

João Neves

M (C), DM (L)

Benfica

55

Games
3

Goals
1

Assists

It is understood that Manchester United have already made a bid for the homegrown midfield orchestrator while Arsenal also retain an interest.

PSG coach Luis Enrique has identified Neves as an ideal partner for compatriot Vitinha, with the French Ligue 1 champions on the lookout for a new player to feature in a restructured midfield.

The Spanish manager requires a midfielder to play in a holding role or else further forward as a playmaker or No.8. Vitinha can do both jobs, but PSG want a second player with a similar profile.

Neves low salary puts Benfica in strong financial position for transfer

Benfica have a strong track record of extracting maximum value for their players, as evidenced by the recent sales of Darwin Nunez and Enzo Fernandez to Liverpool and Chelsea respectively. Neves has a €120 million release clause in his current deal.

Though he signed an improved deal in August which runs to 2028, Neves is understood to have rejected Benfica’s attempts to secure him to a further revised contract which would have doubled his salary to €1m net.

“That gives you an idea of how some of the costs can be saved on signing a player of his age because the basic salary is low for a player of his ability,” says Transfers Podcast host Duncan Castles.

Portuguese sources indicate that Benfica are seeking a transfer fee of €100m to sell Neves this summer. PSG do not want to go that high.