Joao Neves has now been shortlisted for the coveted Golden Boy award as Manchester City lead the race for his signature.
The list of nominees – also including Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala – was posted online by Fabrizio Romano.
So, what is the situation involving Joao Neves and Manchester City? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, it is quite the achievement for young talents to even receive a nomination for the Golden Boy award.
Previously, the likes of Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland have won the coveted Golden Boy award, so it is clearly a strong barometer to judge quality players.
Now, Neves has been shortlisted, just days after an interesting claim was made about the Benfica No.87 and Manchester City.
An update from Graeme Bailey on the Talking Transfers podcast claimed that Manchester City are actually in pole position to sign the 19-year-old.
Pep Guardiola is seemingly on the lookout for a new central midfielder to compete with Rodri, after deciding that Kalvin Phillips is not up to the task having left him out despite the Spaniard’s recent absence.
Manchester City may have to spend millions to sign Joao Neves
Talents from the Primeira Liga do not come cheap. Liverpool found that out when paying £85m to sign Darwin Nunez from Benfica, while Ruben Dias was also far from a bargain for Manchester City at £65m.
Benfica also charged Chelsea £106.8m for Enzo Fernandez back in January.
In regards to Neves, the Portugal Under-21 international has a release clause worth £103m, according to The Sun.
Therefore – while Manchester City may not be asked to pay the entire release clause – that sum suggests Benfica would demand at least £60m or £70m for their academy graduate, who is already a regular starter.
In truth, the Golden Boy nomination may actually tempt Benfica to value Neves even higher.
