The Portuguese media are claiming that Man United have made a second offer to sign Joao Neves.
Before the transfer window opened, many links claimed that Manchester United’s top target was Benfica midfielder, Joao Neves.
The man from Portugal had a brilliant 2023/24 campaign, which saw his individual stock rise across the footballing world.
With Casemiro and Christian Eriksen ageing, a move to bring in a younger midfielder would make sense for United. There’s no more fitting player out there than Joao Neves.
Now, Correio da Manhã have provided an update on that front, claiming United have made a £60m (70m euro) bid to sign the exciting midfielder. They are not the only team to make that offer, with PSG submitting a similar bid to sign Neves.
Sadly, Benfica swiftly rejected both offers.
This is the second time United are said to have made a bid to acquire Neves this summer, with the teenager seemingly a top target for Erik ten Hag and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Understandably, Benfica want to keep ahold of their prized asset, as their club president, Rui Costa, views Neves as ‘vital’ for the team.
As the window goes on, more interest in Neves is expected to come. Chelsea and Arsenal are also said to be admirers of the midfielder, while further bids could arrive after the youngster returns to Portugal following the European Championship.
The verdict
I imagine it’ll be hard for United to win this race. They have no Champions League football on the table, while pretty much every other club with realistic chances at signing Neves will be able to offer him that.
It’s sad because the thought of Kobbie Mainoo and Joao Neves being United’s midfield pivot for the next decade is immensely exciting.
Do you think a Man United move to sign Joao Neves would make sense? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.