Bernardo Silva has said he will try to push Portugal midfielder Joao Neves to Manchester City, with the youngster having been linked with the club in recent times.
Bernardo was speaking about his international teammate after Portugal beat Iceland 2-0 in their final Euro 2024 qualifying match on Sunday.
The result followed another 2-0 win over Liechtenstein, which meant Portugal finished their qualifying campaign with a 100% record. Amazingly, they scored 36 goals and conceded just two.
The latest victory saw Bruno Fernandes and Ricardo Horta score the goals, with Bernardo assisting Fernandes. The Portuguese media were left impressed with the City star’s performance.
There was a good reception at the Alvalade for Joao Neves, who was making only his third appearance for the senior side.
Bernardo Silva says he’ll try to push Joao Neves towards Manchester City
After the game, Bernardo Silva spoke about Neves, who stands to become one of the next big Portuguese talents.
At the moment he is playing for Benfica, and he has already drawn comparisons to Enzo Fernandez. Like the World Cup winner did before leaving for Chelsea, Neves has a release clause of £103 million.
In recent times, City have been linked with a move for Neves. It was suggested in October that City were in pole position to sign the midfielder, and that the club have a good relationship with Benfica having signed Ruben Dias previously.
Some City fans hoping to see the club make a move for Neves will be pleased to read the latest comments from Bernardo.
He said after the win over Iceland (Jornal de Noticias): “Very happy for João Neves and the kids who are appearing at Benfica and the national team. In the Premier League? Quality players can play in any league.
“I see him focused on the club, it’s the most important thing at the moment. It’s very new, with a promising future ahead of it. He has integrated himself in the national team in the best way, one more to help try to win the European Championship if the coach thinks so. If I can, I’ll put a wedge in him to go to Manchester City, of course he will.”
Exciting comments from Bernardo
It is very interesting to hear Bernardo suggest he will attempt to steer Neves to City.
He clearly rates him pretty highly, and you have to imagine there will be a good chance of coming at some point in the future given the presence of Bernardo and Ruben Dias at the Etihad.
Having players he already knows is bound to increase the chances of him signing.
But any move by City is likely to be expensive, with Neves reportedly having a release clause worth £103 million. Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has also said that Benfica are likely not going to be discussing a January exit for Neves.
