Nani says United let Neves slip away as Semenyo transfer talk heats up
25 December 2025
Neves Near-Miss Haunts United as Nani Speaks
Former Manchester United star Nani says Joao Neves would have been a superb signing for the club. He told Metro that Neves is a very smart player with exceptional energy and a complete skill set.
Neves was pivotal in Paris Saint-Germain's European breakthrough last season, thriving alongside Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz to help the French champions lift the Champions League.
PSG signed the Portuguese international in summer 2024 for 60 million pounds, beating out several other interested clubs.
Manchester United were among the clubs watching closely; scouts tracked him after Enzo Fernandez left Benfica for Chelsea for 106 million pounds, with United submitting at least one bid in the process.
Bruno Fernandes, who has expressed admiration for Neves, said he was ready for the next step, but United ultimately failed to seal the deal, leaving the club's midfield future in question.
Many United fans lament the missed opportunity, a view shared by Nani, who described Neves as a complete talent.
In a Metro interview, Nani noted that Neves runs a lot, has huge energy, and a complete skill set. He can score, create and adapt to any side, displaying high football intelligence.
Meanwhile United are also pursuing Bournemouth winger Antone Semenyo, whose reported release clause is 65 million pounds, a figure considered reasonable for the January window.
Although suitors include Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City, Nani says Semenyo fits the profile fans crave—an attacker who can accelerate with the ball, dribble, shoot, create and influence games at the right moment.
All players who can move the ball quickly, dribble, shoot, score, create chances and improvise at the right moment can suit Manchester United; yet joining United presents a different challenge, with a distinct environment, pressure, mentality, and work culture that demands adaptation.
If United sign Semenyo, the hope is that he brings the right mentality and personality and places all his talent on the pitch to help the team.
Punchline 1: If patience were money, United would still be waiting for a loan, paid back in goals. Punchline 2: Transfer windows are like snipers in a video game—great aim, but sometimes you shoot blanks and call it a free trial.
