Liverpool acquiring Joao Neves, a midfielder for Benfica

Officials from the club believe Liverpool will attempt to sign their £130 million player; they have been observing him.
December 29, 2023, Friday, 19:00
Brooke James

The possibility of Liverpool acquiring Joao Neves, a midfielder for Benfica, is being considered.

Over the past year or so, Neves has become a rising star in Lisbon, which has given rise to rumors that Liverpool sent scouts to watch him play.

There is reportedly already a line of potential buyers, as is always the case with talent that emerges from Benfica. Additionally, O Jogo claims that the Portuguese powerhouses anticipate offers for the 19-year-old coming in the future.

As a result, it is said that Benfica and Neves are in talks to extend Neves’ contract at the Estadio da Luz. The Eagles, who are reportedly unwilling to be coerced into trading their stars, are attempting to add a £130 million release clause to the player’s contract.

It is alleged that this is an attempt to deter any interested clubs from submitting an offer right now. Neves will reportedly only be sold for the full amount of his release clause by Benfica, who intend to keep him for a further season.

However, club officials are reportedly of the opinion that bids could still be received. For the Portugal international, Manchester United is said to be “at the top of the grid,” but Liverpool is one of four teams that are supposedly “close behind.”

Liverpool examining Neves

We don’t think Liverpool has much chance of pursuing their interest in Neves any further.

We believe it can be completely ruled out if Benfica are able to reach an agreement with the young player that includes a £130 million release clause.

As demonstrated during last year’s negotiations for Enzo Fernandez with Chelsea, the Primeira Liga team is unafraid of pressure from “bigger” teams.

That’s probably what will happen if they insist that payment for the release clause be made.

We anticipate Neves’ transfer to proceed similarly to Enzo’s, who set the precedent in that regard.

In light of this, Liverpool has no chance in hell of spending £130 million on a player who has made fewer than 50 senior appearances.

Neves appears to be a very small player, as one might anticipate. He is, however, a tad too small for us.

Liverpool shouldn’t be taken as the clear favorite in this situation because there are teams in the running who will spend such enormous sums of money. Neves’ departure from Benfica seems inevitable, but unless his price significantly drops, Anfield is unlikely to make a bid.