Liverpool is now closer to getting their hands on their priority target, Joao Neves, this summer, putting Manchester United at risk of missing out on the skilled midfield player.
Liverpool’s early moves and good ties with Benfica, from when they got Darwin Nunez in 2022, have put them ahead.
On the other side, Manchester United, now under new boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who just bought a 27.7% share of the club for £1.3 billion, is looking at other options.
Ratcliffe, now with full sporting control, has been busy restructuring United.
He has brought in Jason Wilcox as technical director and Dan Ashworth as sporting director to elevate the club.
Their immediate task is strengthening the squad, with Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee poised to join after the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 campaign.
While United negotiates with Bayern Munich for De Ligt and prepares to activate Zirkzee’s €40 million release clause at Bologna, their attention also turns to midfield reinforcements.
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Joao Neves, Benfica’s 19-year-old prodigy, is high on their list.
Despite an initial £50.7 million offer being rejected, United remains determined.
However, Neves’ £101.2 million release clause and Liverpool’s Champions League lure complicate matters.
Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, prioritizes strengthening the midfield and sees Neves as a key addition.
With Liverpool actively engaging in negotiations, they are now frontrunners for the young star.
This scenario has forced Manchester United to consider alternatives, mindful of their drawn-out and ultimately unsuccessful chase for Frenkie de Jong last summer.
United’s Plan B is now completely focused on Manuel Ugarte, the Uruguayan standout from Copa America, currently playing for PSG.
Ugarte has given his agent the go-ahead to explore a move to United, especially after Bayern Munich shifted their interest from him to Fulham’s Joao Palhinha.
Reports indicate that PSG’s manager, Luis Enrique, does not see Ugarte fitting into his plans, making a transfer more feasible.
With progress being made, United is optimistic about securing Ugarte’s signature in the coming weeks.
This potential move signifies United’s strategic intent as they look to bolster their midfield with a high-caliber player like Neves while Liverpool takes the lead in the race for him.
