Liverpool set to table opening offer for highly-coveted Benfica midfielder Joao Neves
According to a report from CM Jornal, Liverpool have made Benfica star Joao Neves a priority signing for the upcoming summer transfer window.
With Arne Slot now at the helm of the club, big changes are expected this summer to ensure the squad is well-equipped to challenge for major honours. While a central defender and winger are reportedly in the Merseyside club’s sights, a defensive midfielder also appears on their agenda, with Joao Neves now considered a priority reinforcement for Arne Slot.
CM Jornal claims Liverpool are ready to present their opening offer for Joao Neves in the next few days. The Reds are ready to intensify their efforts to sign the teenage sensation, who has linked up with Liverpool forward Diogo Jota for Portugal at Euro 2024 in Germany.
However, signing Neves won’t be simple for the Premier League giants. Given the number of high-profile suitors for the player, Benfica will only accept selling the defensive midfielder for €120m—his release clause, the report adds.
Recently, Jota waxed lyrical about his 19-year-old Portuguese teammate, which should encourage the Reds further to make a move for the Benfica midfielder.
“Joao Neves has the quality and the mindset to go really far,” Jota shared his opinion on Neves while speaking on a podcast with Goal. (h/t CM Jornal).
Liverpool are yet to sufficiently replace defensive midfielder Fabinho, who moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad last summer. Wataru Endo was brought in to fill the Brazilian’s void and, although he did well and became a regular starter in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI, the Japanese international is 31 and cannot be considered for the future.
Alexis Mac Allister, best known for his intricate passing and vision, was forced to drop as a No.6 and stitch play for the Reds last season. The potential acquisition of Neves, however, would allow Mac Allister to operate from his preferred No.8 position and dictate play freely.
Neves was a standout player in the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League group stages and was in a category of his onw among U-21 players. To say that his talent has a huge cieling would be an understatement.
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Despite his tender age, Neves became a mainstay in Benfica’s engine room in the 2023/24 season. The defensive midfielder bagged three goals and two assists in 33 league appearances as Benfica finished runners-up to Sporting CP.
Given his quality, age and potential, the Portugal international could become a long-term solution to Liverpool’s No.6 conundrum. And for that to happen, our club may need to break the bank this summer.
