Benfica Reviews Bid For Star Midfielder Joao Neves Amidst Top European Club Interest

Benfica president Rui Costa has confirmed that a bid has been submitted for 19-year-old midfielder Joao Neves. Neves, who played in Portugal's Euro 2024 quarter-final run, is attracting interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Arsenal. The young midfielder made 55 appearances last season, scoring three goals and helping Benfica win their ninth Portuguese Super Cup.

Neves' performances have caught the eye of several top European clubs. Despite playing only 77 minutes at the European Championships in Germany, his assured displays at club level have garnered significant attention. He ranked second for most successful passes in the Primeira Liga with 1,794 passes, only behind Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio's 2,154 passes.

The midfielder has a release clause of €120 million (£101 million) in his contract. However, Costa mentioned that the club might consider offers below this valuation. "I never said that Joao Neves would only leave for his release clause and therefore, those claims are false," Costa stated per A Bola.

Costa revealed that negotiations are ongoing regarding the bid for Neves. "What I can say in relation to Joao Neves is that there is an offer on the table. That has been in the news in the last days but I'm not going to say where this proposal stands," he said.

He added, "There is a proposal on the table which is being evaluated and is being discussed. But at this moment, Joao Neves remains a Benfica player." Costa emphasized the need for discretion during these negotiations to ensure the best outcome for Benfica.

Financial Impact on Benfica

If Neves were to leave, it would mark another significant financial gain for Benfica. Over the past five years, players like Enzo Fernandez, Darwin Nunez, Ruben Dias, and Joao Felix have moved on for substantial fees. These transfers have brought in an estimated €404 million for the club.

Costa acknowledged the fans' desire to know about Neves' future but stressed that ongoing discussions require confidentiality. "It's not that I want to hide the ins and outs because I understand that Benfica fans want to know whether Joao will be leaving or not," he explained.

The president concluded by saying that while negotiations continue, Joao Neves remains a Benfica player for now. This cautious approach aims to secure the best possible deal for both the player and the club.