Manchester United and Arsenal will compete for Portuguese wonderkid Joao Neves this summer.
The 19-year-old Benfica star has caught the attention of scouts across Europe, with even more football powerhouses tempted by his reported £103million release clause.
A move to the Premier League would give Neves the opportunity to continue his growth and follow in the footsteps of other Benfica academy graduates such as Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Ederson.
The release clause would make Neves one of the most expensive English signings ever, just shy of the £106.8 million Chelsea spent on Enzo Fernandez in 2023.
Here, Mail Sport takes a look at what Neves has to offer if he makes a move to the club this summer.
Benfica star Joao Neves has become one of the most sought-after footballers
Manchester United and Arsenal are keeping tabs on the youngster ahead of a summer move
Who is Joao Neves?
Born in southern Portugal, Neves trained at Casa Benfica Tavira, one of the Portuguese giants’ feeder clubs, before moving to the main academy in 2016.
He received his first professional contract at the age of 16 and played a key role in Benfica’s victorious 2022 UEFA Youth League side, claiming the club’s first European title in 60 years.
He signed a new six-year contract in December 2022 and made his senior debut on New Year’s Day 2023 against Braga.
Following the departure of Enzo Fernandez during the January transfer window, Neves gradually cemented his place in the first team, scoring his first goal in the Derby de Lisboa against Sporting CP.
Neves made his Champions League debut at the age of 18 against Club Brugge in March 2023, providing an assist for their fifth goal.
He started to attract the attention of scouts and his compatriots by winning the Primeira Liga Midfielder of the Month for four consecutive months between September and December.
These performances earned him a well-deserved international call-up, as he came off the bench for the Quinas in a 5–0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
His maturity and technical ability were praised by several stars, with Bruno Fernandes saying: ‘He is an excellent player and an excellent boy. Wherever he goes, he will have a bright future.”
Since signing his first professional contract at the age of 16, Neves has become a key figure for Benfica
Enzo Fernandez’s record-breaking move to Chelsea opened the door for Neves at Benfica
How does he compare?
Neves will always draw comparisons with Enzo Fernandez, who followed a similar path to the Premier League but whose experience has been marred by Chelsea’s recent demise.
Despite playing just 78 percent of his team’s minutes this season, he leads the Primeira Liga in line with 1994, according to Opta statistics.
Neves’ stats in Portugal are remarkably similar to those of Fernandez’s time at Benfica.
He leads the Chelsea man in most defensive categories, most notably with 8.5 possessions won to Enzo’s six.
However, Fernandez was able to get on the ball more, with 28 more touches and 22 passes per 90 minutes.
If he were to sign for Manchester United, he would slot into midfield alongside the experienced Casemiro and the youthful Kobbie Mainoo, replacing Scott McTominay.
Benfica’s playing style and the relative weakness of the Portuguese league contribute to Neves’ stats, but he leads all three of United’s midfielders in touches, passes and interceptions this season.
The statistics show that Neves is one of the most impressive midfielders in the Portuguese league
The 19-year-old could be a useful option for United alongside Kobbie Mainoo
At Arsenal, the youngster would join a formidable midfield alongside Declan Rice (left) and Martin Odegaard
Despite their title push, Arsenal’s midfield would not be safe from Neves if he were to sign.
Many believe he would help create one of the strongest midfields in Europe alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
His combination of passing and growing maturity, combined with his aggressive tackling, would make him perfect for Mikel Arteta’s team.
Wherever he ends up, there is no doubt that he will be an asset and push the club’s midfield to new heights.
