Caution is always paramount. This principle appears to guide FSG’s approach to transfers, as evidenced by Liverpool’s decision to withdraw from pursuing LOSC Lille defender Leny Yoro, who ultimately joined Manchester United for up to £59m.
Liverpool did not believe it was justifiable to spend such a significant amount on an 18-year-old, regardless of his potential. Additionally, Arne Slot’s team could not guarantee sufficient playing time for Yoro, leading to the collapse of the deal.
The wisdom of this decision remains uncertain. Despite fans expressing frustration over the lack of activity in the transfer market, sporting director Richard Hughes assures that signings will occur, but not immediately, as Slot is still instilling his philosophy into the team.
Nevertheless, new signings are essential, especially considering Liverpool’s talented squad fell short in multiple title races last season during Jurgen Klopp’s final year.
A major concern for fans lies in the midfield. Klopp’s extensive changes to the midfield last season successfully rejuvenated the area, but the surprise £16m acquisition of 31-year-old Wataru Endo to replace Fabinho came after both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia chose Chelsea over Liverpool, despite the club’s strong interest.
The Japan international is a talented player, but he doesn’t possess the level of mobility and dynamism required for Liverpool to surpass Manchester City again. In comparison, Rodri and the versatile Declan Rice are of a higher caliber.
As a result, Liverpool should consider pursuing Joao Neves. According to the Portuguese newspaper Correio de Manha, the 19-year-old Benfica star was highlighted as Liverpool’s top priority last week.
The Reds are now dealing with another transfer setback just days after their last one. According to Fabrizio Romano, the situation looks grim.
Benfica are asking for an initial payment of €75 million (£63 million), which is well below Neves’ €120 million (£101 million) release clause. Liverpool may regret this decision.
Another Leny Yoro Situation
Could this be a repeat of the Yoro scenario? While it seems there hasn’t been as much buzz about Neves as there was for Yoro, David Ornstein from The Athletic has noted that Liverpool were poised to pursue Yoro if Real Madrid’s interest waned.
However, the interest in Neves is undeniable. Like Yoro, Neves has emerged as a top talent in Portugal, earning accolades as one of the country’s brightest prospects. Analyst Ben Mattinson has even suggested he could become “one of the best” center-midfielders in Europe.
Such high praise is well-deserved. Neves has been pivotal in Roger Schmidt’s strategies, making 75 appearances since his impressive rise from the Eagles’ academy. He has also contributed seven goals and played a key role in winning the 2022/23 Liga Portugal title.
| 23/24 League Stats: Joao Neves vs Wataru Endo | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats/Match average | Joao Neves | Wataru Endo |
| Matches played | 33 | 29 |
| Matches started | 27 | 20 |
| Goals | 3 | 2 |
| Assists | 1 | 0 |
| Passing accuracy | 90% | 87% |
| Touches | 76.5 | 54.4 |
| Key passes | 0.8 | 0.6 |
| Dribbles | 1.2 | 0.3 |
| Ball recoveries | 6.4 | 3.7 |
| Tackles | 2.0 | 1.7 |
| Interceptions | 1.1 | 0.7 |
| Duels won | 6.0 (57%) | 3.9 (44%) |
| All stats via Sofascore | ||
Neves is currently performing at an exemplary level, making him an exciting player to watch. On the other hand, Endo was not poor during his first season at Liverpool. He filled a crucial role, working diligently for a resurgent team that restored its Champions League status and won the Carabao Cup. Endo excelled in the final, playing the entire 120 minutes against Chelsea at Wembley and winning 12 duels in a remarkable performance.
However, Liverpool are a club that strives for greatness, demanding a constant flow of silverware to match the pedigree and quality of its squad. In this context, Neves is already outperforming the Redmen midfielder.
According to FBref, the Benfica player ranks among the top 17% of central midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted. He is also in the top 2% for successful take-ons and tackles per 90 minutes. His skills in ball-playing, ball-carrying, and defense are highly refined.
The same could be said for Yoro. Despite having only 60 senior appearances, the future France international has been praised for his “world-class” qualities by talent scout Jacek Kulig. Yoro has shown an exceptional level of defensive understanding, which appears innate, during his first two seasons in Ligue 1.
| Leny Yoro: Ligue 1 Statistics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics | 2022/23 | 2023/24 |
| Matches played | 13 | 32 |
| Matches started | 8 | 30 |
| Goals | 0 | 2 |
| Assists | 0 | 0 |
| Clean sheets | 2 | 13 |
| Passing accuracy | 91% | 92% |
| Touches | 50.5 | 67.6 |
| Ball recoveries | 4.8 | 4.1 |
| Tackles | 0.8 | 1.1 |
| Interceptions | 1.4 | 1.1 |
| Clearances | 2.0 | 3.0 |
| Duels won | 2.4 (62%) | 3.3 (63%) |
| Stats: Sofascore | ||
Yoro’s adaptation to his new environment has been impressive. Reviewing his only two seasons of professional football so far, the results speak for themselves.
Last season, Liverpool fans were concerned about their defense after Joel Matip’s knee injury in December ended his season. However, Jarell Quansah’s emergence has eased those worries.
Just 14 months ago, Quansah, who is now 21, was playing in League One. He quickly adapted, starting in 13 Premier League games and becoming a key player as Ibrahima Konate struggled with form. Notably, Quansah won 65% of his duels, averaging 4.5 per game. This might mean Liverpool doesn’t necessarily need Yoro.
The signing of Neves tells a different story. Praised by Kulig as a “warrior,” the Portuguese player is more than ten years younger than Endo and seems perfectly suited for long-term success under Slot’s guidance.
Although it seems like PSG might secure Neves, Liverpool’s management could take inspiration from their rivals, Manchester United, and attempt to make a strategic and surprising acquisition.
In other Liverpool news, Arne Slot Provides Explanation for Liverpool’s Defeat in a Behind-closed-door Friendly Against Preston North End