This loan deal has given Utd the lead in the race for Joao Neves

Utd look to strengthen relationships across Europe to get their number one targets

16/01/2024, 02:51 PM +00:00

A fresh start for this Utd youngster could mean the arrival of another youngster at United

Having strong connections in the market is crucial for the big clubs in Europe with the current inflation in the market. Manchester United have ruined a lot of their relationships with clubs around Europe after the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson. The lack of diplomacy from Utd’s chiefs in negotiations played a massive part in it. Now Manchester United are looking to use loan deals to build a bridge with other clubs.

Manchester United terminated the loan deal of Alvaro Fernandez at Granada and recalled him to send him to a better club that could further improve his development. Multiple clubs were interested, but the winner of the sweepstakes was S.L Benfica. The two clubs agreed on a loan deal that includes a buy option at the end of the season after the two clubs nearly negotiated a permanent transfer for the youngster.

Portuguese outlet Correio da Manhã report that the swap deal for Alvaro has helped the two clubs come closer together. Manchester United are in the market for a number six with the future of Casemiro in doubt with a Saudi move potentially looming this summer. It does not look like Sofyan Amrabat’s loan deal will be made permanent either, so there is a need for a six. That’s where Joao Neves enters the room.

The young Portuguese star has caught the eyes of scouts all over the world and has broken through into the Portuguese National team at just 19 years of age. With the breakthrough of Kobbie Mainoo this season, United are looking at Neves as the player to pair up with Mainoo and form one of the best young midfield pivots in the world.

Joao Neves Release Clause

History has shown that dealing with Benfica is not the easiest task, as they stick with a price range on a player and do not back down from it. The release clause for Neves is 120 million Euros and the Portuguese club do not want to accept less than the release clause, nor does the player want to leave in January.