Manchester City Urged to Hijack Liverpool’s Move for ‘Exceptional’ Star This Summer

Manchester City Urged to Hijack Liverpool’s Move for ‘Exceptional’ Star This Summer

 

Manchester City are being urged to make a sensational move to hijack Liverpool’s pursuit of an “exceptional” rising star this summer, in what could become one of the most dramatic transfer battles of the window. With the Premier League champions already boasting a stacked squad, the suggestion that City should enter the race for a player reportedly close to Liverpool has sparked significant interest across fanbases and punditry circles alike.

 

The player in question? João Neves – the highly-rated Portuguese midfield sensation currently at Benfica. Touted as one of Europe’s brightest young prospects, the 19-year-old has attracted attention from a host of elite clubs following a breakout campaign in Liga Portugal and impressive performances for the national team. Liverpool are believed to be in advanced discussions, but several analysts and former players now believe Manchester City should intervene—and for good reason.

 

 

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Why João Neves?

 

João Neves isn’t just another talented teenager. The Benfica academy product is widely regarded as the next big thing in Portuguese football—a tireless, intelligent, and technically gifted midfielder who already plays with the maturity of someone ten years older. Neves has been likened to a hybrid between Bernardo Silva and N’Golo Kanté: someone who can break up play with relentless energy but also dictate tempo and create forward momentum with short, sharp passing.

 

What makes Neves stand out is his football IQ. Despite his age, he reads the game exceptionally well, positions himself astutely, and has the tactical discipline that fits perfectly with Pep Guardiola’s demanding system.

 

He also has the kind of versatility Guardiola loves—able to operate as a deep-lying No.6, a shuttling No.8, or even in more advanced roles when required. His performances in the Champions League last season, particularly against Inter Milan and Real Sociedad, turned heads across Europe.

 

 

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Liverpool’s Interest: Serious and Strategic

 

Liverpool’s interest in João Neves has been well documented. With Jürgen Klopp’s successor Arne Slot looking to reshape the midfield around a younger core, the Reds have identified Neves as a long-term solution to a problem area that saw heavy investment last summer with signings like Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Wataru Endō.

 

Liverpool are believed to have held preliminary talks with Benfica, who are holding out for a fee close to the teenager’s release clause—reportedly set at around €120 million (£101 million). It’s a hefty price tag, but one Liverpool seem willing to negotiate given Neves’ elite potential and their urgent need for a defensively responsible midfield engine.

 

 

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Why Manchester City Are Being Urged to Hijack the Deal

 

So why are pundits and fans calling for Manchester City to step in?

 

Several reasons make a compelling case:

 

1. Aging Midfield Core

 

While City still possess one of the best midfields in Europe, there’s no denying the unit is aging. Kevin De Bruyne, despite his brilliance, is 33 and increasingly hampered by injuries. Ilkay Gündoğan departed in 2023, and while Mateo Kovačić has been solid, he doesn’t offer long-term upside. Kalvin Phillips, once thought to be Rodri’s heir or rotation partner, has failed to integrate and is likely to leave permanently.

 

Adding João Neves would inject youth, dynamism, and a succession plan for Rodri—who himself has logged huge minutes over recent seasons and needs quality backup.

 

2. Guardiola’s History With Portuguese Players

 

City’s squad already features several Portuguese stars—Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, and João Cancelo (on loan at Girona). Guardiola has a strong track record of developing Portuguese talent and could be the ideal mentor for Neves. With Bernardo potentially leaving next summer and Cancelo expected to be sold, Neves could become the club’s next great Iberian gem.

 

3. Blocking a Rival

 

From a strategic standpoint, letting Liverpool sign João Neves could hand a major advantage to a direct rival. The Reds are rebuilding with a view toward challenging City’s dominance. By allowing Neves to slip through their fingers, City may be helping Liverpool build the kind of midfield that can challenge their supremacy for years to come.

 

Pundit and former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves recently said on Premier League Productions:

 

> “João Neves is exceptional. The kid is a superstar in the making. If Manchester City don’t go for him now, they could regret it for a decade, especially if he goes to Liverpool. Pep Guardiola would turn him into a world-beater.”

 

 

 

 

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Financial Power and Pull

 

City’s financial power means they can afford to compete with Liverpool, even if Benfica dig in over the €120 million fee. Moreover, their sporting project—competing for every trophy, year in, year out—is arguably more attractive to a player looking to play at the pinnacle of club football.

 

Neves may also be drawn to Guardiola’s technical system, which has elevated countless players to world-class status. At City, he wouldn’t need to carry a midfield; he could learn, develop, and eventually take the reins.

 

 

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What Would City’s Midfield Look Like With Neves?

 

If City were to succeed in hijacking the deal, their midfield could evolve into something extraordinary for the future:

 

Rodri / João Neves – Rotation and succession planning

 

Phil Foden – Transitioning into a central role more consistently

 

Mateo Kovačić – Experience and balance

 

Oscar Bobb / Rico Lewis – Development and depth

 

New signing – Possibly another advanced midfielder if Bernardo departs

 

 

Neves would slot into a rotation role initially but could take over the Rodri role long-term, giving Guardiola or his eventual successor a tactical foundation to build upon.

 

 

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The Risk of Inaction

 

Guardiola himself has always been forward-thinking in the market. From signing Gabriel Jesus to planning early for Erling Haaland, City rarely wait until the last moment to address future needs. Missing out on Neves would feel like a deviation from that proactive model.

 

Moreover, with Real Madrid also lurking in the background and Bayern Munich reportedly monitoring developments, the longer City hesitate, the more difficult it becomes to secure the midfielder—especially if Liverpool push through a deal soon.

 

 

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Conclusion

 

The call for Manchester City to hijack Liverpool’s move for João Neves isn’t just reactionary speculation—it’s a strategic imperative for a club that prides itself on long-term planning and dominance. Neves is more than just a talented youngster; he is the type of player who could define a midfield for the next decade.

 

With Liverpool seemingly moving fast and Benfica holding firm, City must decide whether to let their rivals gain a generational talent or assert their dominance once again in the transfer market. For a player described as “exceptional” and already commanding the respect of Europe’s elite, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

 

This summer could be the turning point. Will Manchester City act? Or will they watch one of their biggest rivals gain a potential world-beater on their watch? The ball is in their court.