According to a report from Manchester Evening News, Manchester City might also enter the fray for the acquisition of Joao Neves despite Manchester United’s evident interest in the Portuguese talent. Bernardo Silva has suggested that he might sway Joao Neves from a potential move to United, aiming to convince him to consider joining the Sky Blues instead.
Joao Neves’ Remarkable Rise at Benfica
Joining Benfica’s youth academy at just 12 years old, Joao Neves has steadily climbed the ranks, earning multiple accolades. His standout performances in the 2021/22 season significantly contributed to Benfica’s historic UEFA Youth League victory—an unprecedented feat for a Portuguese club in the tournament. His breakthrough last season solidified his place in the midfield, securing a regular spot in the starting lineup this season.
Despite just being 19 years old, Neves has already featured in 15 matches for Benfica across various competitions, showcasing his versatility with a goal and an assist. In Liga Portugal, he maintains an average of 0.7 shots, 0.6 key passes, 1.4 successful dribbles, 2.4 tackles, 0.7 interceptions, and 0.9 clearances per game. Notably, his exceptional passing accuracy of 90.6% in the Portuguese top flight underscores his precision in distributing the ball to his teammates (statistics from Whoscored).
Will Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola Make A Move For This Generational Talent?
Neves’ multifaceted skill set that has been exhibited through his adeptness in both defensive and offensive aspects of midfield play align seamlessly with Pep Guardiola‘s vision. His ability to contribute defensively while showcasing technical prowess in possession bears resemblance to the qualities Guardiola values in his midfielders.
At the age of 19, Joao Neves has already marked notable milestones in his emerging career, making substantial contributions to both Benfica and the Portuguese national team. His evident potential suggests a trajectory toward becoming an elite midfielder.
Silva’s support for Neves comes from their shared nationality and likely witnessing Neves’ development firsthand, presenting a compelling argument for City to consider adding the young talent to their squad. Therefore, it would be wise for Guardiola to pursue him this January, aligning with Man City’s ambition to recruit promising talents and enhance their youth academy, which could yield long-term advantages.
