One Benfica player in particular, Joao Neves, attracted the attention of Rangers on a night when the outcome made headlines in Lisbon regarding the Europa League.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who possesses the cool, collected, competitive edge of someone much older than him, gave an outstanding midfield display against a progressively thinner Rangers team. Fans of Rangers, the newest breakout star from Benfica’s renowned Benfica Campus, got a peek of the reason why teams like Manchester United are supposedly keeping an eye on them.
The day before Rangers’ match against Benfica, Fabrizio Romano stated on his Daily Briefing that Manchester United and Manchester City are keeping an eye on the young player, who has a €120 million (£103 million) release clause.
Joao Neves, the wonderkid from Benfica, is still in the running, according to Romano. “Who has been looked at by Manchester City and the Red Devils.”
Joao Neves carries on the Benfica heritage
Joao Neves would have drawn attention from everyone witnessing Rangers’ brilliant display of tigerish midfielder play, deft touches, nutmegs, and disciplined football in their 2-2 draw with Benfica.
The young player is obviously a future star, as evidenced by his three caps for the Portuguese national team, and Benfica would be well to hang onto him.
It’s not as though the Portuguese powerhouses have struggled in recent years to let go of their best players.
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Since the year 2000, Benfica has earned about €1 billion (£850 million) in transfer fees, making them one of the best examples of player trafficking in sports.
The club’s fantastic Academy setup, together with the use of South American markets, have contributed to the outstanding arrivals, setting a genuine example for Rangers.
Rangers need to aim for £850 million.
It seems like an endless line of departures, with players like Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Ruben Dias (Man City), and Renato Sanches (Bayern) at the top of the list.
Joao Neves appears to be planning to follow the club’s actually sound process of selecting, developing, and then selling its best players.
Fabio Silva, a Rangers loanee, was one that slipped away yet made a huge fortune for FC Porto, a rival team in Liga Portugal.
Ibrox may be feeling envious of Benfica for their recent success, as the Portuguese team is undoubtedly a role model for us to follow.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement was upfront about the difference in the transfer budgets of the two teams before the game, stating that Benfica had spent roughly £120 million more on their Europa League team.
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