BERNARDO SILVA PUSHING FOR JOAO NEVES MOVE TO MAN CITY – PSG’S PRICE TAG SHOCKS ENGLISH GIANTS

Manchester City are reportedly making strong moves behind the scenes to secure the signing of 19-year-old Portuguese midfielder João Neves, with veteran City star Bernardo Silva playing a key role in the recruitment effort. The club sees Neves as the ideal long-term reinforcement to rejuvenate their midfield, and manager Pep Guardiola is said to be fully backing the pursuit.

According to sources close to the Portugal national team, Bernardo Silva has personally spoken to Neves multiple times during international duty, outlining the benefits of joining Manchester City. Silva is believed to have told the young talent that playing under Pep Guardiola would be a career-defining opportunity and that the City environment would help him develop into one of the best midfielders in the world.

Neves, who has impressed with his performances at Benfica and earned comparisons to some of Europe’s elite young talents, is now one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe. Manchester City are reportedly ready to submit a formal offer of €100 million to Benfica in a bid to beat other suitors to his signature. However, that price may no longer be enough.

Paris Saint-Germain have now entered the fray, and their involvement has complicated matters for City. The French champions are believed to have made contact with Neves’ representatives and have signaled their willingness to exceed the €100 million valuation. Reports suggest PSG are prepared to table an offer in the region of €120–130 million, blowing City’s bid out of the water.

What’s more, PSG are also offering Neves a more lucrative personal package, including higher wages and additional incentives. The Parisians view Neves as a potential long-term replacement for Marco Verratti, whose role in the team has diminished in recent seasons. They are reportedly eager to finalize a deal before the end of August, intensifying the pressure on City.

Despite the financial muscle of PSG, Manchester City remain determined to stay in the race. Pep Guardiola is believed to be directly involved in the negotiations, making calls and speaking with both Neves and his representatives to convince them of City’s sporting project. Guardiola reportedly sees Neves as a successor to Ilkay Gündogan and believes his technical style fits perfectly within City’s tactical system.

Bernardo Silva’s involvement could prove to be a decisive factor. The veteran midfielder has long acted as a mentor for Portuguese youngsters and shares a close relationship with Neves. Sources close to the situation believe Silva’s influence could tilt the balance in City’s favor, especially if Neves prioritizes development and footballing philosophy over financial gain.

However, there is growing concern within City’s hierarchy about the rising price tag. The club is wary of entering a bidding war that could see them break their wage structure or financial model. With Financial Fair Play regulations always looming in the background, the decision-makers at the Etihad must carefully weigh the risks of escalating their bid.

There is also a sense of urgency building around the situation. While City have a strong sporting project and a proven track record of developing young players, PSG’s aggressive approach could quickly close the window of opportunity. Talks are reportedly ongoing this week, and a formal decision is expected soon.

For João Neves, the next few weeks could define the trajectory of his young career. A move to Manchester City would place him under the guidance of one of the greatest managers in modern football and among world-class teammates. But a switch to PSG would offer comfort, stability, and perhaps quicker first-team guarantees.

As things stand, the football world is watching the saga unfold with great anticipation. Whether Neves ends up in Manchester or Paris, this transfer battle is shaping up to be one of the defining stories of the summer window—and it could have long-term implications for the balance of power in European football.