Heavy Blow For Man United! Neves Price Tag Set To Reach €150m 

Ahead of the January transfer window, Manchester United has suffered a serious setback as talks to extend Joao Neves’ Benfica contract are now in progress.

Neves has become a goal for United in recent months, and earlier this week, sources indicated Benfica would only release him for the full amount of his release clause, which is presently €100 million (£87 million/$110 million). But according to O Jogo, extension negotiations started last month and are still going strong. His release clause might increase to £130 million ($166 million). He would become the most expensive player in Premier League history with a move at that amount.

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Neves, who is only 19 years old, has already played 45 senior games for Benfica and has three caps for Portugal. Fabrizio Romano reports that United has been scouting Neves since November. However, if he does agree to new terms with Benfica, Erik ten Hag, the head coach, may have to consider other options because his release clause would most likely be too costly.

Neves has essentially operated as the replacement for Enzo Fernandez since the Argentina international’s massive-money departure to Chelsea. He only signed his first professional contract in 2020 and is now seemingly on the verge of a lucrative move himself, hence Benfica’s desperation to keep him.

According to O Jogo’s source, Neves’ new contract may be revealed soon—possibly even before the January transfer market opens—putting an end to any suspicions that might arise. On December 29, he is scheduled to return to domestic action with Benfica against Famalicao.