Man United have unexpected bargaining chip in Joao Neves transfer race

Manchester United’s summer transfer preparations are in full swing and while signings have yet to be made by the Old Trafford club, there is a clear strategy that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is looking to implement.

During Ineos’ previous ventures into football, the petrochemical giant has insisted that their clubs look to build for the future rather than relying on big names to fill squads. Ratcliffe has made this clear before the transfer window opened when he stressed in an appearance on British cyclist Geraint Thomas’ podcast that he would rather sign the ‘next Kylian Mbappe‘ than splash big cash on the real thing.

Therefore, it is no surprise to see the names who have been linked with a switch to Old Trafford this summer. Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, Jarrad Branthwaite and Jean-Clair Todibo – all young players with their futures firmly ahead of them.

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Benfica’s Joao Neves is another name who can be added to that list. The 19-year-old defensive midfielder has played with experience above his years in Portugal which earned him a place in Portugal’s stacked squad for Euro 2024.

The issue with going after supreme younger talent is the cost implications of doing that. Benfica reportedly want as much as £100m if they are to let their midfielder go this summer and are determined to ensure he spends at least another season in Portugal.

With Ratcliffe insistent that United will not be ‘held to ransom’ this transfer window, signing Neves appeared to be a pipe dream. However, MEN Sport understands the Reds could hold themselves an unexpected bargaining chip.

The Portuguese club are one of six who hold an interest in signing Mason Greenwood this summer. The winger is intended to be sold by United this summer after spending the entirety of last season on loan at Getafe.

He was suspended by United in January 2022 amid allegations of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour. A lengthy investigation into the case then followed, with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) dropping all charges against Greenwood in February 2023.

A United statement at the time read: “Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped. The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps. We will not make any further comment until that process is complete.”

With both parties looking to part ways, United reportedly value Greenwood at £40m. Theoretically, the Reds could decrease the asking price for Neves significantly if they throw the winger into the deal as well.

Suddenly, £60m for a midfielder who is sure to have a promising future in football seems incredibly reasonable and with Ineos on the lookout for bargains this summer, it makes plenty of sense too.