João Neves Reflects on Unexpected PSG Move Amid Benfica’s Needs

LISBON, Portugal — Former Benfica midfielder João Neves opened up about his unexpected move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a recent interview with Onze Mondial, shedding light on the circumstances that led to his departure from the Portuguese club. The 20-year-old Portuguese international revealed he did not anticipate leaving Benfica but understood the club’s financial needs and the opportunity presented by PSG.

“At the time, I didn’t expect to leave the club, but I was aware of Benfica’s needs and knew that leaving could be an option,” Neves said. “When PSG’s offer came, the way they spoke about the club, its essence, and their vision resonated with me. I see a lot of PSG in myself.”

Neves, who wore the No. 87 jersey at Benfica, emphasized PSG’s commitment to nurturing young talent and playing attractive football. “It’s a club that wants to invest in youth and play beautiful football. The way we win and play with the ball matters. I think the club’s ideology is perfect for me,” he added.

The midfielder also reflected on his rapid rise in the football world, admitting he struggles to comprehend his market value. “I’m so young that I don’t fully grasp the concept of money or its importance. Sometimes my friends say I’m worth €60 million, and I wonder how that’s possible. It’s hard to digest, but I’m not worried about it. If I give my best, I could be worth more or less. In football, what’s true today can be false tomorrow,” Neves said.

Neves recalled his breakthrough at Benfica during the 2022 World Cup, which coincided with a period of squad absences. “I was with the B team, and the coach told me, ‘João, tomorrow you’ll train with the first team.’ It was a great training session, and the players there helped me a lot. I was very nervous, but I felt they liked me, so I calmed down and did my job well,” he shared. His first start came in a home match against Estoril, where he overcame his nerves to deliver a strong performance.

Comparing his experiences in Portugal and France, Neves noted the higher level of competition in Ligue 1. “The mid-table and lower-table teams here are more homogeneous, competitive, stronger, faster, and more aggressive. The stadiums are much better too. In Portugal, while the stadiums are decent, the stands are very close, the pitch isn’t always in great condition, and the locker rooms aren’t as clean. In France, every team is capable of playing good football, which allows us to play our best game even away from home,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, former Benfica left-back Alejandro Grimaldo, now with Bayer Leverkusen, expressed his desire to return to Spain’s LaLiga EA Sports in the future. “Sometimes I think, ‘Let’s go back to Spain,'” Grimaldo said in an interview with El Desmarque. The 28-year-old, who never played in LaLiga despite being a product of Barcelona’s La Masia, remains ambitious and aims to win major titles, including the UEFA Champions League and the World Cup.

In other Benfica news, the club has reportedly rejected a loan offer from Brazilian side Botafogo for winger Benjamín Rollheiser. Despite limited playing time under coach Bruno Lage, Benfica is only considering a permanent transfer for the 23-year-old Argentine, with a price tag of €12 million.

Additionally, Benfica’s latest signing, Manu Silva from Vitória de Guimarães, has a release clause set at €70 million, reflecting the club’s confidence in the 23-year-old defensive midfielder. Silva expressed pride in joining Benfica, calling it a “significant step” in his career.