1.FC Köln sign Benfica teenager Gil Neves on long-term deal | OneFootball

1.FC Köln sign Benfica teenager Gil Neves on long-term deal | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: OffsAIde

OffsAIde

·7 August 2026

1.FC Köln sign Benfica teenager Gil Neves on long-term deal

Article image:1.FC Köln sign Benfica teenager Gil Neves on long-term deal

1.FC Köln have signed 18-year-old Gil Neves from Benfica on a long-term contract.

Köln's technical director Lukas Berg said the club had tracked the teenager for a long time and described him as a natural fit in central defensive midfield with strong footballing ability, physicality and character. He added that Neves was convinced Köln is the right next step and that they will integrate him at the right pace with playing time prioritised.


OneFootball Videos


The fee was not disclosed, reportedly a six-figure amount, and Benfica are said to hold a sell-on clause.

Neves most recently played for Benfica's U-23 side in the Portuguese youth league and the UEFA Youth League.

At Köln, he will begin training with the first team and is expected to gain match experience in the Regionalliga.

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”

View publisher imprint