Manchester United’s approach to the transfer market has certainly shifted since the arrival of Ineos.
As Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already explained, the Red Devils are targeting the next generation of superstars these days rather than the Zlatan Ibrahimovics, the Cristiano Ronaldos or the Bastian Schweinsteigers.
After so many 30-something veterans arrived under the Glazers – Manchester United opting for short-term sticking plasters instead of the ‘open heart surgery’ Ralf Rangnick called for – Joshua Zirkzee (23) and Leny Yoro (18) becoming the first signings of the Ineos era felt fitting.
Chido Obi-Martin, arguably the most exciting 16-year-old in the country, also underwent his medical on Tuesday after leaving Arsenal, per Sky Sports.
Man United, however, are not the only major European institution swapping a flawed ‘Galactico’ tribute act for something a little more sustainable and sensible.
The Paris Saint-Germain of the recent past jumped at the chance to bring in Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and Gini Wijnaldum. This, however, is a new-look PSG project. One spearheaded by rising talents such as Bradley Barcola, Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha and Kang-In Lee. Joao Neves, too.
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PSG win race for Manchester United linked Joao Neves
Watched intently by Man United during a fine breakout season at Benfica, per Fabrizio Romano on the United Stand, PSG finally won a drawn-out race for the 19-year-old playmaker over the weekend.
Neves joined in a knock-down fee of £60 million after Benfica accepted the inclusion of former wonderkid Renato Sanches as a sweetener in the deal.
The baby-faced Portugal international then spoke to the PSG website to the very first time at the start of this week.
And while Angel di Maria is hardly a popular figure amongst Man United fans already, the key role the Argentine played in Neves’ switch to the French capital will do little to boost his standing at Old Trafford.
“I obviously spoke to all of the Portuguese players (currently at PSG),” says Neves, who played alongside United’s one-time number seven at Benfica last term. “But also to Angel Di Maria.
“(Di Maria) told me a lot about the club. He said nothing but good things about it and that I would be happy here.“
Red Devils threaten to walk away from Manuel Ugarte
Man United may have hoped that PSG winning the race for Neves would play into their hands regarding the pursuit of Manuel Ugarte.
But, in a move that has taken many by surprise, Les Parisiens are refusing to budge on Ugarte’s £51 million asking price. Man United now appear ready to take their business elsewhere, per The Athletic, with the likes of Joao Gomes and Andre Trindade emerging as potential alternatives.
Neves, meanwhile, highlighted the changing focus of PSG when opening up further on the deal that makes him their ninth most expensive signing of the Qatar Sports Investment era.
“It’s a fantastic project from a massive club. This is a young club with high aims, and I think that that way of thinking and of trying to make the club stronger with young players is a great project,” Neves adds.
“This club has high aims and already boasts several records.“
“Firstly, even though I’m a young player, I believe that I’m mature. I like football and short, quick passing with good ideas behind it. I think that’s the playing style that PSG is looking for, and that’s why I’m here.“
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