Reports claiming that Benfica and Manchester United are discussing João Neves’ possible transfer have been refuted.
Benfica declared they have no plans to sell Neves to United or any other club during this transfer window, despite rumors that United’s top priority is to sign the holding midfield player.
In a statement, the club said, “Benfica denies the existence of any right of preference over its player, Joao Neves.” “Under no conditions did Benfica enter into talks with Manchester United or any other club about this player from the squad, nor does it intend to do so, so any information that points in another direction is false.”
Juventus and Bayern Munich, two elite European teams, have also been connected to Neves.
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Neves, 19, was promoted to the first team of Benfica in January 2023 and has started every game so far this season. The Portugal international’s release clause was raised from €60 million ($65.2 million) to €120 million when he signed a new contract with Benfica last summer, which runs until June 2028.
On the other hand, Benfica declared the arrival of Álvaro Fernández, who will be loaned from United until the end of the season.
ESPN has learned from sources that Benfica will be required to pay €6 million plus an additional €3 million for the Spanish full-back in the summer if Fernandez participates in 50% of the team’s games.
United has incorporated buy-back and sell-on clauses into the agreement. Fernandez, 20, made 13 appearances for the La Liga team while on loan from United to the Spanish team Granada during the first half of the season.
Despite starting in four of United’s preseason games, Fernandez, a member of the Spain under-21 team, has not yet participated in a competitive first-team match for United.
