Marco Silva set to lose Benfica teenager as Gil Neves ‘to sign’ for Cologne | OneFootball

Benfica’s hierarchy, led by Rui Costa, have given the green light for 18-year-old midfielder Gil Neves to leave, continuing a summer of academy moves after Mauro Furtado’s exit. Marco Silva remains focused on preparations for the new campaign.

Neves, a Portugal under-17 European champion, is close to joining Cologne. Sky Germany reports that the clubs have an agreement in place and the youngster will sign a deal running to June 2029.

The German club is expected to pay Benfica at least one million euros, with significant future sale clauses retained to protect any later value.

Last season Neves featured for Benfica’s under-23s, building on his progress with Portugal’s youth teams. A move to Germany offers a new competitive environment for his development.

He will undergo medical tests on Thursday, the final step before an announcement as a Cologne signing. The outcome would see Marco Silva lose another academy product, while Benfica keep a stake through negotiated sell-on terms.

Source: Glorioso 1904

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