Benfica eyes Sanches return amid PSG’s Neves pursuit

After confirming an offer for Joao Neves, the president of SL Benfica has also reported negotiations with PSG's Renato Sanches.

Following Goncalo Ramos, Juan Bernat, and Julian Draxler in recent seasons, the PSG-Benfica connection is set to stir up the transfer market in the coming days and weeks. The French champions have targeted 19-year-old Joao Neves to strengthen their midfield. Without providing further details, SL Benfica President Rui Costa confirmed an offer for the Portuguese international.

Benfica eyes Sanches return amid PSG’s Neves pursuit

However, on the outgoing side, a player from the Parisian club might head in the opposite direction. After a disappointing loan spell at AS Roma, Renato Sanches could be loaned back to his former club.

Present at the inauguration of a Casa do Benfica in Switzerland, Rui Costa was asked about the potential returns of Renato Sanches and Joao Félix to their former club. The head of the Aguias highlighted the importance of such transfers. “It’s not only Di Maria who has come back to Benfica. We also proved it with Goncalo Guedes. What we want are good players, and if we can have players who also know the club and Portuguese football, it’s an advantage. But as I said for Joao Neves, as I say for all other players, negotiations are ongoing. Benfica’s squad will not stay as it is today. There will likely be departures, and as we stay alert to the market, there might even be additional arrivals, but for now, everything remains a reality.”

Asked again about the potential arrivals of Renato Sanches and Joao Felix, the SL Benfica president confirmed ongoing negotiations without providing further details, as reported by A Bola. “These are ongoing negotiations, and it’s not useful to discuss them publicly. Many names have been mentioned, and others have also been cited. There is a month and a half left before the transfer window closes, and as you know, the market has been very quiet so far… Perhaps because of the Euro, perhaps because of the Copa America. The market will start moving more or less now, I have no doubt. We will remain attentive and certainly choose the best team for Benfica.”