Liverpool Manager Arne Slot to break long-standing transfer rule in bid to young talented Portuguese player to Liverpool in huge £102m deal. This the first time Liverpool bidding £100m for a player 🥺😳
Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a talented young player from the Iberian Peninsula, according to sources in Portugal.
The Reds are one of several clubs interested in Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, as mentioned by Record and relayed by LFC Transfer Room. Manchester United had a £51 million offer for the 19-year-old rejected, which is only half of his £102.3 million release clause, highlighting Benfica’s high valuation of him (Liverpool Echo). Neves is seen as a perfect fit for the defensive midfield role that Liverpool is looking to strengthen this summer.
Although still a teenager until September, Neves has already played 75 matches for Benfica and is highly rated at Estadio da Luz. FBref statistics show he is in the top 6% for successful take-ons per game (1.6) and the top 8% for pass completion (88.5%) among his peers in Europe’s major leagues, indicating his skill with the ball.
If Liverpool manage to sign him, Neves could potentially hold the number 6 position for years, learning from current player Wataru Endo. However, the financial aspect of this deal could pose a challenge to Liverpool’s transfer budget this summer.
As this rumor continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool’s management will outbid Manchester United and persuade Benfica to sell their promising youngster.
