Sir Jim Ratcliffe to break bank in pursuit of Portuguese jewel

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to shatter transfer records at Manchester United as the club seeks to bolster their midfield.

Former Real Madrid stalwart Casemiro’s decline since leaving the Santiago Bernabeu has been rapid and dramatic. Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen isn’t getting much love as Erik ten Hag no longer favors the Dane. In a flash, Manchester United‘s starting midfield from the previous season is gone.

Neither Mason Mount nor Scott McTominay have shown much promise as central midfielders. Unbeknownst to most, 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo is keeping it together.

No one should be surprised to hear that United will be shopping for a midfielder this summer. It will ideally have to be a youthful one, to ensure they avoid a similar situation in the next two years.

It would seem that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is aware of this. Thus, with a transfer budget of more than $108 million, the Manchester United owner is planning a spectacular move to sign Joao Neves, a prodigy for Benfica.

Ideal partnership with compatriot Fernandes?

United have kept a careful eye on the 19-year-old midfielder all season long, and he has now emerged as a major target. He has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time. What’s more, he is certainly one of the most sought-after commodities heading into the summer transfer season.

Several times this season, the Red Devils reportedly sent scouts to observe him, according to the Portuguese source Record. They will be closely watching Neves’ performance in the highly anticipated derby match against Sporting, as part of their heightened scouting efforts.

They plan to pair Neves with Bruno Fernandes, a fellow countryman, and form a formidable midfield combo. The club’s pursuit of Neves is strategic; they want to add energy and skill to their midfield, so they can compete at a higher level.

After Neves’ outstanding season, United scouts were unanimous in their praise and put him at the top of…

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Author : Martina Alcheva

Publish date : 2024-04-03 15:28:05

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