Liverpool have reportedly enquired about one of many hottest younger properties in European soccer.
In response to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, the Reds have made contact with Benfica relating to the supply of Joao Neves, who’s one in every of eight gamers on the Estadio da Luz attracting curiosity from a variety of Premier League suitors.
It was solely final yr that the in-demand midfielder penned a brand new deal as much as 2028, however his membership are already determined to supply him recent phrases with a bumper pay rise as an incentive to remain put, though their advances have but to steer the 19-year-old.
As outlined by Fabrizio Romano, his present contract features a whopping €120m (£101.4m) buyout clause from which the Lisbon outfit are unwilling to deviate when it comes to entertaining any bids from elsewhere.
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The very first thing which have to be acknowledged is that Neves is not any abnormal 19-year-old footballer and that his nine-figure launch clause ought to come as no shock for a participant of his abilities.
As outlined by Between the Traces, the Benfica prodigy presents an enviable mixture of searing tempo, ball-carrying prowess, progressive passing and the combativeness to win possession regardless of his modest stature.
Over the previous 12 months, he ranks among the many high 5% of midfielders in Europe for blocks (1.91) and profitable take-ons (1.6) per recreation and the highest 8% for move completion per 90 minutes (88.5%), as per FBref, and these figures are a testomony to his remarkably well-rounded talent set.
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It’s no marvel that Portugal teammate Bruno Fernandes has labelled Neves an ‘glorious participant’ with a ‘shiny future’ (Day by day Mail), however will Liverpool convey the Portugese wonderkid to Anfield this summer season?
If Benfica are steadfast of their refusal to promote him for any quantity lower than his launch clause, it’d definitely signify a large departure from the Reds’ regular switch coverage to signal him.
The occasional splurge apart, LFC aren’t famend for such huge purchases underneath FSG’s watch, though there could be a willingness to make exceptions if the proper goal is recognized, therefore the £111m provide to Brighton for Moises Caicedo final August earlier than Chelsea stole in to land the Ecuadorian.
The chances are high that the Lisbon membership received’t entertain Liverpool’s preliminary strategy, but when Richard Hughes sees Neves as a real game-changer, we will count on him to comply with up a number of extra occasions with a persistent effort to win what might be an absorbing switch race.
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