Manchester United’s pursuit of Joao Neves sees record-breaking transfer fee imposed

Manchester United is eyeing midfielder Joao Neves from Benfica but faces a hefty fee despite his limited game time.

Manchester United Could Be Paying High Fees For Joao Neves
Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

According to reports from Corriere dello Sport, Manchester United faces a substantial payment for the midfielder, despite his limited 45-game tenure at Benfica. The manager, Erik ten Hag, allegedly urged the club to secure the youngster, emphasizing that meeting Benfica’s asking price is non-negotiable for United’s acquisition.

The recent confirmation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.25 billion ($1.59bn) investment in a 25 per cent stake of the club by United doesn’t guarantee improved management or on-field success. Given the club’s history of faltering in transfer dealings, such as potential big purchases like Neves, could provoke apprehension among key figures at the club. The upcoming January transfer window promises intrigue.

Neves remains under contract with Benfica until the summer of 2028, having delivered two goals and assists each in his 45 appearances for the Portuguese side. He’s touted as a rising star in Portuguese football.

With the imminent opening of the January transfer window, United aims to secure new signings while also considering player departures. The pivotal question lingers on whether they’ll meet Benfica’s demanded fee for Neves.

João Neves

João Pedro Gonçalves Neves

Midfielder

PortugalPortugal

Age: 20

174 cm

kg

Season 2023/2024
Played 31 1 Missed
Minutes 2136 68.9 Avg
Goals 3 0.1 Avg
Assist 0 0.0 Avg
Attempt 57 1.8 Avg
Passes 1844 59.584.0% AvgSucc
Yellow 3 0.1 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 14 times for 950 minutes for Liga Portugal.

João Neves scored 1 goal for Benfica. He procured no assists. He received 3 yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 2nd in Liga Portugal. In the last match Benfica won 1-0 against Sporting Braga.

Benfica performance and stats

Benfica

Manager: Roger Schmidt
Rank 2nd
Win 24
Draw 4
Loss 4
Goals 71-27
Diff 44
Rank 3rd
Win 1
Draw 1
Loss 4
Goals 7-11
Diff -4
This season

Benfica is currently 2nd in the Liga Portugal with 33 points.

In the last 14 games, it has won 10 times, drawn 3 times, and lost once. In its last match, Benfica won 0-1 against Sporting Braga.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 25 goals and conceding 10.​

Manchester United

Manchester United performance and stats

Manchester United

Manager: Erik ten Hag
Rank 8th
Win 16
Draw 6
Loss 13
Goals 52-55
Diff -3
Rank 4th
Win 1
Draw 1
Loss 4
Goals 12-15
Diff -3

Manchester United is currently 8th in the Premier League with 28 points.

In the last 18 games, it has won 9 times, drawn once, and lost 8 times. In its last match, Manchester United lost 2-0 against West Ham United.​​

It has a negative goal difference after scoring 18 goals and conceding 23.​

Manchester United will play the next match in Premier League against Aston Villa on Tuesday 26th of December in Manchester. The prediction is Manchester UnitedAston Villa winning the match.​