New Delhi: In football, a release clause exceeding £100 million is considered a sign of exceptional talent and immense potential. Such is the case with Benfica’s midfielder Joao Nevesa, a 19-year-old prodigy who is expected to make a significant move this summer. With Manchester United and Arsenal showing interest Paris Saint-Germain has emerged as the frontrunner in winning the bid. Though Neves’ future appears destined for greatness with PSG, will he make the big move?
Early beginnings and rapid rise
Joao Neves of SL Benfica celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Youth League match between SL Benfica and Bayern Munchen at Benfica Campus on October 20, 2021 in Seixal, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Joao Neves graduated from Benfica’s esteemed academy which has also produced stars like Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, and Enzo Fernandez. He got his first opportunity in the starting XI when Enzo Fernandez left the club and moved to Chelsea creating a vacuum in the club. Following his January 1, 2023 debut Joao Neves rapidly established himself as a key player.
His breakthrough moment came in the crucial moments against Sporting CP where his goal secured a 2-2 draw keeping Benfica in the title race. Filipe Ingles from the podcast Benfica FM recounts the significance of that match stating “Next game we won, were champions, and Joao Neves was the hero that saved the day in the dying moments.” This pivotal performance earned him a place in the starting XI and marked him as a player for the big occasions.
Since his debut Joao Neves has made 50 Primeira Liga appearances, starting 33 of those matches. He has demonstrated his ability by scoring four goals and one assist. Before turning twenty, he played at a European Championship and helped his boyhood team secure a league title. Filip Ingles even states that Benfica supporters adore him because of his dedication and work ethic as they regard him as one of their own and never booed him.
International breakthrough and adversity
Joao Neves of Portugal during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Georgia and Portugal at Arena AufSchalke on June 26, 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Joao Neves’ talent has not gone unnoticed on the international stage. The midfielder has already made nine appearances for Portugal, including two at Euro 2024. His maturity and composure under pressure have impressed both fans and pundits alike.
Ingles draws his comparisons to some of football’s great midfielders: “A lot of people in Portugal see comparisons with Joao Moutinho. He is that kind of midfielder that seems to do everything well – the passes, the position, the first touch, the balance. You see that he is always running and thinking about the game, never relaxes a minute, and is never out of position. And he’s very, very comfortable with the ball.”
Despite his young age Joao Neves has faced significant personal challenges. His mother passed away a few months ago, yet he still chose to continue playing and demonstrating remarkable resilience.
Neves has also shown leadership qualities beyond his age. After a humiliating 5-0 defeat by Porto, he was the player who faced the fans and the press taking responsibility and showing maturity. “Not [Nicolas] Otamendi, not [Angel] Di Maria. He was the one that came to talk to the press,” says Ingles.
The bid decision: Benfica or next
Joao Neves of SL Benfica controls the ball during the Liga Portugal Bwin match between SL Benfica and Portimonense SC at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on January 6, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Joao Rico/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
With interest from top European clubs, the question arises: is now the right time for Neves to move? Benfica president Rui Costa confirmed that a bid had been made for Neves but did not disclose the suitor. He stated, “There is a proposal on the table which is being evaluated and is being discussed. But at this moment Joao Neves remains a Benfica player.”
The decision to leave Benfica is fraught with potential risks and rewards. Ingles fears that a move might come too soon: “Despite his maturity, I think he’s making the same mistake as Joao Felix, Goncalo Ramos, or Renato Sanches: he’s leaving too soon. I don’t know if he’s ready yet. And as with Darwin Nunez, it’s one thing to be good in the Portuguese league, it’s another in the top five leagues.”
The physicality of the Premier League could pose a challenge for Joao Neves. “He’s very small and I don’t know if he would cope with the physicality of the Premier League,” adds Ingles. However, a move to France’s Ligue 1 might provide a more suitable environment for his development.
Joao Neves is undoubtedly a special talent and his potential to become a world-class midfielder is undeniable. PSG would be wise to sign him as he could be the missing piece in their quest for Champions League glory.
Joao Neves’ pass accuracy percentage of 93.2%, dribble success rate of 50%, and defensive contributions of 85% place him among the elite of his generation. His key statistics highlight his exceptional talent and reveal why so many clubs are interested in signing him.
The coming months will be crucial in determining the future of both Joao Neves and PSG. If the deal goes through, it could serve as a turning point for his career. Will Joao Neves fulfill his potential and become the next big star in European football? Only time will tell.
Joao Neves, Benfica’s midfield sensation is attracting top clubs. Will PSG secure his talent? Discover his journey, talent and potential to become a football icon. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
