Manchester United have been handed a boost in signing Benfica midfielder Joao Neves during this summer’s transfer window.
The Red Devils are braced for a mini-midfield overhaul this summer. We could see the likes of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Sofyan Amrabat leaving the club.
Casemiro’s departure could pave the way for huge investment on a young defensive midfielder and in our opinion, Neves would be the perfect acquisition.
Neves is only 19 years of age, but he has already established himself as a mainstay in Benfica’s line-up.
He has registered 54 passes per game this term with an accuracy of 89 per cent. He has won 6.4 duels and two tackles per outing alongside 6.5 recoveries.
On top of this, the teenager has managed over 1.2 take-ons on average, inducing almost two fouls from the opposition. His statistics are exemplary at his age.
We believe he would be the perfect successor to Casemiro, and United will be hoping to sign him for less than his €120 million release clause this summer.
There have been handed a boost in their pursuit with Neves recently admitting that he can’t promise anything for next season. He refused to rule out an exit.
He said (via Fabrizio Romano): “I can’t promise anything for next season. My wish at the moment is to stay at Benfica and then we will see, you never know.”
Signing Neves would be a huge statement from United. Him and Kobbie Mainoo could form a brilliant midfield partnership with their immense potential.
Both are capable of playing in the number six and number eight roles. It would be a sight to behold with the young duo operating in the centre of the park.
Stats from Sofascore.com
