In a recent report, O Jogo claimed that Manchester City are keeping tabs on Benfica midfielder Joao Neves this summer. However, it is believed that the Mancunian club would have to rival Paris Saint-Germain in the race to land the Portuguese midfielder.
Neves’ Impressive Season In Portuguese Football
Neves had a solid campaign at the Portuguese club recently as he was responsible for putting in a series of dominant displays for them at the centre of the park. The Tavira-born talent netted three goals and earned a couple of assists in 55 appearances for Benfica last season in various competitions.
The 19-year-old proved himself to be a valuable presence in the middle of the park based on his average of 2.0 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.0 clearances, 0.9 shots, 0.8 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game in Liga Portugal. He was even careful when distributing the ball from midfield after completing 89.9% of his attempted passes in the Portuguese top tier (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Portuguese club will run out in the summer of 2028 which would make it difficult for Man City to arrange a cut-price move for him this off-season.
Is Neves A Decent Choice For Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola?
Neves is a good tackler of the ball and can scan the danger well to earn the ball back for his side inside his half. He doesn’t mind clearing his lines when the opposition are on the offensive. The Portuguese talent can shoot the ball with power from long range and has got the eye to play a few decisive passes in the final third. He is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet as well.
Neves is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also fill in as a box-to-box midfielder or as a right-sided wide player if asked to do so. He would undoubtedly enhance the quality of Manchester City’s midfield department.
At 19, Neves has the potential to be a world-class talent in his position someday. Thus, it makes sense for Man City boss Pep Guardiola to get him on board in this summer transfer window. All in all, Neves would be a great choice for the Mancunian giants to pursue in the long run.
