Manchester United preparing first proposal for Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves

Manchester United are set to intensify their efforts in signing Benfica midfielder Joao Neves in the summer transfer window.

It is no secret that the Red Devils need to bring in midfield reinforcements and they have been monitoring the Benfica star for some time now. Joao Neves, 19, is regarded as one of the hottest midfield prospects in Europe and is expected to cost around €100 million. He has been sensational for Benfica in the last 12 months, grabbing the attention of many top European clubs including Manchester United.

Hugely impressed with Neves’ performances this season, Manchester United are reportedly planning to submit their first offer to Benfica in a few days. The Portuguese club would like to keep hold of the teenage prodigy for another season, which could be beneficial for the player himself. The midfielder has a €120 million release clause in his contract and Benfica would expect close to that sum to part ways with him.

Is Casemiro’s time over at Old Trafford?

Manchester United splashed €70m to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022. After a successful debut season where he helped Erik ten Hag’s side finish third in the Premier League and clinch the Carabao Cup, the defensive midfielder has looked out of sorts for much of the 2023/24 campaign.

New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been far from impressed with the club’s shortsighted plan of signing Casemiro and offering him a bumper long-term deal considering his advancing years. The experienced Brazil international’s signing hasn’t gone to plan and Man United are planning to part ways with him at the end of the campaign. There is interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey and if the Red Devils can recoup half of what they spent for Casemiro’s services in 2022, it would represent a very good deal.

Man United identify Joao Neves as Casemiro’s replacement

Man United’s chosen replacement for Casemiro is Joao Neves. The 19-year-old has enjoyed a breakout campaign with Benfica and is among the most sought-after young talents in European football. He is very highly rated by Man United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s entourage.

Neves is a prodigious young talent with massive potential to unlock, and he could develop into a world-class player in his position with the right attitude and guidance. The Portuguese international could form a sensational long-term partnership with breakout star Kobbie Mainoo in the middle of the park for Man United. He certainly fits the profile of signings Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s leadership group are planning to target from this forthcoming summer transfer window.

The opportunity to play in the Premier League and compete with the best players will be an enticing option for the Tavira-born talent and it would be a massive step up for him too. Although the Red Devils have not competed for the Premier League title for many years now, they are still one of the biggest clubs in the world and the opportunity to play for them can be hard to reject for Neves, who could be the next high-profile player Benfica end up selling for a handsome profit.