Man Utd targeted this Benfica player, but they're asking $130 million for him

It looks like an era of strong change is coming at Manchester United. Poor sporting decisions over the last decade have prevented them from competing with the best teams in England and Europe, and the fans are fed up. That's why many believe the only solution is a change of chiefs. And that is likely to happen in the short term, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe is willing to pay more than $1.3 billion to buy 25% of the club and take over soccer-related decisions.

Should this become a reality, the new owner will make some major changes. According to reports, he will hire a new sporting director. And not only that. There will also be a major overhaul of the squad. Some players for whom the Red Devils paid a lot of money in recent years, such as Antony and Jadon Sancho, will surely leave. And in their place will come others.

For a few days now, newspapers, TV shows and social media have been talking about the possible signing of Joao Neves. The midfielder is only 19 years old, but he is already one of Benfica's stars and was called up to the Portugal national team for the first time in October.

Reports indicate that Manchester United are interested in signing him and even sent scouts to Portugal to see him, but things will not be easy. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Benfica announced that they have no intention of negotiating his sale for now. Therefore, the only way to take him in the January transfer window will be to pay the exit clause: $130 million.

They know what they are doing

Benfica are one of the clubs that have received the most money from player sales in recent years. In 2019 Joao Felix went to Atletico Madrid for almost $140 million; in 2022 Liverpool bought Darwin Nunez for $110 million and in January this year Enzo Fernandez was transferred to Chelsea for $130 million.