In what would be a major summer signing, Bernardo Silva has suggested that Manchester City shock rivals Manchester United by winning the competition for sought Portugal player Joao Neves.
Neves is a strong contender to unseat Casemiro and take Kobbie Mainoo’s place in the Man Utd midfield. After scouting Neves and his Benfica teammate Antonio Silva, Man Utd’s executives were greatly impressed.
Despite his young age of 19, Neves enjoys competing against more seasoned and senior midfield players. Europe’s top clubs are keeping an eye on the teenager since he is not just great at regaining possession for his team but also very comfortable with the ball.
Man Utd is presently debating whether to recruit Morten Hjulmand, a rival from Sporting Lisbon, or Neves. According to reports, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made a move to the Premier League his “priority” aim.
However, according to other sources, Man Utd has already begun the bidding process for Neves after Benfica rejected a €60 million (£51 million) offer for the player.
Man Utd is anticipated to make a counteroffer, but before anything can be agreed upon, they will need to come much closer to the wonderkid’s £102 million release clause.
Amid all the talk surrounding Neves and Man Utd, Silva has urged his Portugal team-mate to snub Ratcliffe’s advances and instead move to Man City.
When asked about Neves, the Premier League and Champions League winner told Portuguese reporters: “I’d tell him to go to Manchester City. It’s not easy. He’s a player who, given his success last season, has many clubs wanting him.
Man Utd transfers: Bernardo Silva predicts Man City battle
“As a Portuguese and a player I like, I’d like to see him alongside me. But I want the best for him.”
Silva added: “Guardiola? I don’t need to convince him. Joao Neves is already convincing because of the way he works and the energy he brings to the game.
“He won’t be a cheap player, it won’t be easy for many clubs to get in on the act.
“Let him make his decision, let it be what’s best for him. If he keeps up this energy, he has a very good future ahead of him.”
Ratcliffe is working hard to create an attractive project at Old Trafford, but if City enters the bidding, Neves may find it difficult to turn Guardiola down.
With six Premier League championships in the last seven years, City can provide the six-cap international with plenty of chances to earn awards. Neves would also be able to play with fellow countrymen like Silva, Ruben Dias, and Matheus Nunes at the Etihad, which would speed up his transition.
Naturally, Rodri, a world-class player, is already City’s starting defensive midfielder. However, learning under both Rodri and Guardiola would be great for Neves, as it might help him develop into one of the world’s top defensive midfielders.
Neves might replace Rodri and assume the No. 6 position for City if Rodri does, as expected, return to Spain.
Leave a Reply