Man Utd's number one transfer target is actually PERFECT for Man City
Cameron Smith
- 23 Oct 2023 15:55 BST
- 4 min read
Joao Neves is the latest wonderkid to emerge from the Benfica talent conveyor belt and the Portuguese midfielder is being heavily chased by Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag’s side signed Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in 2022 before adding Mason Mount for €64.2 million this summer, but they aren’t yet satisfied with their options in midfield.
As a result, Neves is being tracked as the Red Devils ponder making a move for the 19-year-old next year.
READ MORE: Why Liverpool must beat Arsenal in the race to sign Fluminense's Andre
FootballTransfers can confirm that Man Utd are one of several top clubs monitoring Neves’ progress at Benfica, but a deal will not happen until the summer of 2024 at the earliest.
Benfica are keen to retain the youngster for a little while longer and a January exit is unlikely after they lost Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea during the winter window this year.
Like Fernandez, Neves also has a hefty release clause worth €120m and Man Utd’s limited transfer funds mean a deal may be tricky.
READ MORE: Who is Joao Neves? Benfica's new Enzo Fernandez linked with a £100m transfer to Man Utd
However, the hierarchy at Old Trafford are admirers of Neves and his performances in Portugal have certainly caught the eye.
He is gaining Champions League experience at Benfica and his development over the past six months has been described as “rapid” by data analytics experts SciSports.
Neves’ is extremely composed in possession and his technical quality stands out immensely in the Primeira Liga. His innate desire to play progressively is a brilliant trait and he doesn’t shy away from defensive duties either.
Neves already looks primed for a step up, just like Fernandez, Ruben Dias, Ederson and Angel Di Maria in years gone by, and Old Trafford looks the most likely landing spot for him.
However, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund have both been linked with a move too, and Man Utd’s closest rivals may actually be a better destination for the Portuguese midfielder.
Should Neves join Man Utd or Man City?
FootballTransfers’ data analytics partner SciSports believe that Man City would be a better move for Neves’ career.
Their ‘Career Advice’ tool takes into account multiple different factors - including playing time, potential development and playing style - to determine which club would best suit any given player.
"This is my club. It means a lot to me" 🦅
Getting to know João Neves, Benfica's latest young star 🌟#UCL
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 16, 2023
According to SciSports, remaining at Benfica is currently Neves’ best option, closely followed by a move to the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side signed Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes this summer following Kalvin Phillips’ underwhelming first campaign at the club. The England international now looks set to leave in 2024, potentially opening up a space for Neves.
Neves currently plays in a double pivot at Benfica, primarily next to Orkun Kokcu, and he could play a similar role to Rodri at Man City. Furthermore, he could replace the Spaniard in any time of need.
Joao Neves' best transfer options
| Club | Club Fit Score |
|---|---|
| 1. Benfica | 83 |
| 2. Man City | 81 |
| 3. PSV | 77 |
| 4. Borussia Dortmund | 77 |
| 5. Leicester | 76 |
| 16. Man Utd | 72 |
PSV, Borussia Dortmund and Leicester City would also be good moves for Neves, with the former two known for their ability to help develop young talents, while the latter are managed by former Man City assistant Enzo Maresca.
Man Utd are ranked as Neves’ 16th best transfer option, below the likes of Bayern Munich, Arsenal and RB Leipzig.
