‘Impossible’ – Manchester United learn Benfica transfer position amid Joao Neves links

Benfica are unlikely to let Joao Neves leave for a fee less than his release clause amid reports linking the midfielder with a summer move to Manchester United.

The 19-year-old’s solid displays from Portugal have attracted interest from the Premier League, with Liverpool and Chelsea among the clubs reportedly interested in him. United have been heavily linked with him since the January transfer window.

Neves has spent his entire career so far at Benfica, rising through the club’s youth system. Having extended his contract last summer until 2028, he now has an £86m (€100m) release clause.

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According to Mais Futebol journalist Bruno Andrade, Neves is the only Benfica player who will not receive offers under his release clause. With Neves set to represent Portugal at Euro 2024 next month, the Portuguese outfit are confident he will increase their chances of securing a potential transfer.

“If there’s one player Benfica won’t negotiate for less than the release clause, it’s Joao Neves. Other players like Antonio Silva, Anatoliy Trubin, Benfica think they can negotiate under the release clause, but Joao Neves is different.

“He either leaves the club if his release clause is met or he stays. The board know that his involvement at Euro 2024 will increase their chances of getting the full asking price for him, so it is justified. United’s possible desperation (to sign promising). talents) and the way Benfica capitalize well on the sale of key academy players means nothing is impossible with Jorge Mendes’ involvement.

“I always think it’s unlikely that a player in Portuguese football will leave for the value of their release clause, but there are recent cases that prove that. And when you put together a club like United, a good negotiator like Jorge Mendes and the success of Benfica. in selling young players, it wouldn’t surprise me to see a club come and pay his €100 million release clause.”