Chelsea FC set to spend big again for young Benfica midfielder

According to reports, Chelsea is in the running to sign Joao Neves, a midfield player for Benfica. The 19-year-old earned his debut for the Portuguese team's first squad during the last campaign and has been given the go-ahead to start frequently this time around.

Since the teenager's journey to the top, Manchester United has been the only team regularly associated with a transfer for him; but, as his reputation grows, other teams are reportedly considering a move as well.

According to Portuguese publication O Jogo, Chelsea and Liverpool have "joined the race" for Neves before the summer transfer window opens. Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly also interested in the young player. Benfica are rumoured to be keen in increasing the €120 million release clause, which protects him until 2028, to €150 million.

The youngster spoke to the reporters but did not speak much about his future. He said, "I promise to do my best in every training session, in every game, and I think that is one of my greatest qualities. I'm focused on Benfica and even more so on [Thursday's] game, which is the next one. I think I will do my best in every game and in every training session."

Taking look at the great relations between Chelsea and Benfica

Mauricio Pochettino's team had already plundered Benfica for more than £100 million when they bought Enzo Fernandez in January 2023. This would not be the first time that this has happened and Chelsea are known to spend big on youngsters and offer them massive contracts. 

It is likely that Chelsea will have to sell this summer before they can purchase in order to comply with English Premier League profit and sustainability regulations. According to a recent Times article, Reece James and Conor Gallagher might be released. Since the two are homegrown, the club's 2023–24 accounts will credit the full amount of these transfer payments towards player trading earnings.