Liverpool are beginning to jolt into life in the summer transfer market,.
The Reds have so far been extremely quiet in the window despite the fact that they really could do with a couple of additions.
With Arne Slot only just through the door at Anfield and Euro 2024 underway, perhaps things were always destined to take a while to get going.
But the market officially opened on Friday and it seems as though Liverpool are now getting their affairs in order. The Reds squad may have one or two new faces before long.
One of those who has been rumoured to be of interest to Liverpool is Benfica midfielder Joao Neves. The 19-year-old looks like he could be on the move this summer.
Benfica send Joao Neves message amid Liverpool interest
If Liverpool are looking for a new defensive midfielder this summer, then Neves seems likely to be on their shopping list.
The Reds appear to be targeting a centre-back first of all, with links to Leny Yoro beginning to really hot up.
Liverpool also look likely to sign a new forward before the start of the season. Johan Bakayoko’s name is one that simply will not go away.
But if there is still room in the budget, then a new holding player would be absolutely lovely.
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According to reports over the past week, the man in Liverpool’s crosshairs in this respect is indeed Neves. There have been claims that Liverpool are as far along as readying a bid for Neves.
If that is indeed the case, then Benfica appear to have sent a ‘message’ for what will be acceptable and what will not. Speaking on his YouTube channel on Saturday, journalist Fabrizio Romano warned that the Portuguese side will not sell Neves on the cheap.
“Benfica want the release clause for Joao Neves,” Romano reports. “The release clause is 120 million Euros. So, to start the discussion they want something around the release clause. They will not accept something like 60 or 70 million Euros, this is the message from Benfica.
“It has to be big money for Joao Neves or absolutely no chance to sign him this summer. The clause is the reference for the club.”
Liverpool won’t reach Joao Neves release clause
There is plenty to suggest that Liverpool do like Neves. The Portugal international will likely show exactly why during Euro 2024.
However, it also feels entirely unrealistic that Liverpool would pay the money needed to sign the young midfielder.
The Reds have so far never paid more than £100m for one player. It seems likely that they would have to to get Neves.
Romano goes on to mention interest from the likes of Man United, Man City, Arsenal and PSG in Neves. With all those clubs having deeper pockets than Liverpool, they cannot win in a bidding war.
As a result, we’d expect that the Reds will not pull the trigger on the signing of Neves. As good as he may be, they simply have other priorities elsewhere.
Should this roll into next summer mind you, it might be a different conversation.