Manchester United’s strategic agenda for the forthcoming summer transfer window is poised to unfold under the stewardship of the new leadership helmed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Ineos Group, in collaboration with Ratcliffe, concluded a significant acquisition of 25 percent ownership in United earlier this year, thereby assuming control over the footballing operations at Old Trafford. Although the January transfer window transpired without any new acquisitions, a notable departure is anticipated with the imminent opening of the window at the culmination of the current season.
United has already commenced exploration of potential signings to fortify Erik ten Hag’s squad. Notably, the recruitment team for the Reds is prioritizing the acquisition of a new midfielder, alongside an expressed interest in securing the services of a striker.
Reports suggest that United stands among the consortium of clubs expressing interest in procuring the services of Benfica midfielder Joao Neves. Neves, initially affiliated with the Primeira Liga club’s academy, has ascended through their developmental ranks to emerge as a pivotal figure within the first-team setup.
Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano has highlighted Neves as a prospective target for United as they conduct a thorough evaluation of transfer prospects for the forthcoming window. However, it has been indicated that Manchester City, alongside several other undisclosed Premier League entities, are also eyeing a potential move for Neves.
Romano further asserts that Neves is tethered to a release clause in his contract exceeding £100 million, underscoring that the activation of said clause represents the sole avenue through which Benfica would sanction the midfielder’s departure this summer. Notably, it was in January of the previous year that the Portuguese club conceded Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea subsequent to the latter meeting the £106.8 million release clause stipulated in Fernandez’s contract.
“In terms of possible midfield signings coming in for United, the race remains open for Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves, who has been scouted by the Red Devils, and also by Manchester City,” said Romano.
“Benfica will insist on the release clause of €120 million (£103 million) being triggered, so it’s not an easy deal, but the interest from Premier League clubs is there in terms of scouting.”
According to a statement issued by Benfica, the club refutes any claims suggesting that there is a right of preference in the potential transfer of their player Joao Neves. This response follows speculation that Manchester United may have an advantageous position in securing Neves’ signature in January, particularly in light of Alvaro Fernandez’s loan move to a Portuguese club associated with an option to purchase.
“Under no circumstances did Sport Lisboa e Benfica enter into talks with Manchester United or any other club about this player – nor does it intend to do so. Any information that points in another direction is false.”
In other developments, Manchester United is purportedly intensifying their scrutiny of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee. According to a report by Give Me Sport, the club is methodically assembling scouting assessments of the player in contemplation of a potential transfer during the forthcoming summer transfer window.
Zirkzee was acquired by Bologna in 2022 in a transaction valued at €8.5 million (£7.2 million), departing from Bayern Munich. Since his acquisition, he has amassed a tally of 13 goals across 50 appearances and is currently the subject of speculation regarding a potential move to the English Premier League.
In addition to Manchester United, Arsenal has also been previously linked with expressing interest in securing Zirkzee’s services. Furthermore, it has been reported that Bayern Munich retains a buy-back option worth €40 million (£34 million) within Zirkzee’s contract, enabling them to repurchase the player should another club opt to make an offer.