Manchester United and Manchester City discover the exact cost of securing Benfica wonderkid per Fabrizio Romano

Manchester United and Manchester City have been informed of the asking price for Joao Neves, the wonderkid of Benfica.

The 19-year-old midfielder emerged as Benfica’s primary midfielder at the conclusion of the previous campaign, replacing Enzo Fernandez, who was on his way to Chelsea.

Neves has been a constant presence for the Portuguese titans this season, and in their last two contests—victories over Chaves and fierce rivals Sporting Lisbon—he was named player of the match.

His performance in the latter matchup garnered significant attention throughout Europe, prompting inquiries regarding the 19-year-old from United captain Bruno Fernandes and City sensation Bernardo Silva, both of whom were on international duty with Portugal.

Silva told local media (as cited by B24PT): “Of course, I would prefer that Joao Neves join Manchester City rather than Manchester United.”

Meanwhile, Fernandes stated, “I would love to have [Neves] by my side; he is talented and has a promising future.”

Unfortunately, both Manchester clubs have now learned how much they would have to spend to acquire the Portugal wonderkid.

It would appear that Benfica is creating an environment comparable to the one in which Fernandez ultimately completed his protracted transfer to Chelsea, with or without a release clause.

Fabrizio Romano reports that the present release clause for Neves is €120 million (approximately £105 million), and Benfica will not accept a lower offer.

“Benfica have no intention of initiating negotiations for Joao Neves in January, despite Manchester United dispatching scouts numerous times to investigate the talented midfielder,” he wrote on X (Twitter).

“There’s same clause as Enzo Fernandez one year ago into his contract: €120 million.”

Therefore, if both Manchester clubs are sincere in their pursuit of the midfielder, it would appear that they will be required to pay the transfer fee.