One that in another season you'd like us to be all over. Liverpool are on the hunt for new talent as they prepare for the upcoming season, and Joao Neves has reportedly emerged as a priority target. This blog will delve into the details of this potential transfer, examining what's been said, the key statistics, a comparison with a current Liverpool player, and the likelihood and fee of the move.

What's Been Said Liverpool have identified Joao Neves as a top priority for the new season. According to Portuguese outlet Correio de Manha, "Liverpool are ready to submit a proposal in the coming days to convince Benfica to part with their talented midfielder." The report highlights that Liverpool have been closely monitoring Neves and are prepared to make a significant offer to secure his services. However, Benfica has set a high bar, indicating that they will only consider letting the 19-year-old go for a hefty sum of EUR120 million, which matches his release clause. Liverpool's interest in Neves has been further fuelled by positive feedback from their own Diogo Jota, who praised Neves for his quality and potential.

Photo: IMAGO Looking at the Key Stats Joao Neves, a 19-year-old defensive midfielder, has made quite an impression in a short time. Here's a breakdown of his stats for the 2023-24 season across all competitions:- Appearances: 55- Minutes Played: 4,302- Goals: 3- Assists: 4

Drawing Comparisons Comparing Joao Neves to Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister offers an interesting perspective. Both players share a similar position on the field, but there are key differences in their style and statistics.

- Passing:- Neves: 2,075 total passes, 88.5% pass completion rate- Mac Allister: 1,967 total passes, 85.6% pass completion rate

- Challenges:- Neves: 63 attempts, 46% success rate- Mac Allister: 125 attempts, 47.2% success rate

Neves' passing accuracy is slightly better than Mac Allister's, showcasing his ability to maintain possession and distribute the ball effectively. However, Mac Allister has a higher number of tackles, highlighting his more aggressive defensive play. This contrast shows that while Neves excels in ball distribution, he may not bring the same level of physicality in challenges that Mac Allister does. That's the big concern.

Likelihood and Fee The fee for Joao Neves is expected to be substantial, with his release clause set at EUR120 million. This high valuation reflects his potential and the interest from multiple top clubs. Neves currently has a contract with Benfica, and prying him away will not be easy. While Liverpool are serious contenders, the financial aspect will play a crucial role in this potential transfer. Neves' weekly wages are not explicitly mentioned in the provided data, but considering the transfer fee, his salary expectations will likely be significant.

Liverpool's interest in Neves is driven by his talent and potential. However, his signing would be an unconventional move considering the team's need for a more physically dominant midfielder. Neves' skill set is undeniable, making him a top talent for the future, but the fit within Liverpool's current squad dynamics could be challenging. City and others will likely be looking at him as per Bernardo Silva and Diogo Jota's comments. A player with great potential, but just not what's needed right now.