Benfica star’s move to PSG could still boost the Eagles’ coffers | OneFootball

Rui Costa revealed that the star who left Benfica for PSG can still bring financial gain to the Eagles

Rui Costa, president of Benfica, gave an interview where he talked about various topics related to the club's reality. The Eagles' leader commented on the departure of João Neves, who moved from Benfica to PSG, and revealed that the midfielder's transfer - who was highlighted at the Ballon d'Or gala - can reach 70 million euros.

“Benfica was in need at that moment, but at the same time did everything to keep João Neves. I understand the Benfica fan when they consider that he was sold cheaply. We don't assign a price to players like him, but in market terms, it wasn't like that,” Rui Costa began to explain.

“His sale is already at 66 million euros and can reach 70 million euros. I think that year, in that market, it was Alvarez who left Man. City for At. Madrid, the only more expensive sale,” revealed Rui Costa, providing new details of the deal between Benfica and PSG for João Neves.

“We didn't have the possibility for him to stay another year. João didn't want to leave Benfica, nor did Rui Costa in 1994, but there are things we can't keep up with. In João's situation, it's inevitable. It pains me a lot to lose players like that. We pushed as much as we could in the transfer of a player,” added Rui Costa.

“Benfica's transfers have been very high for the reality of Portuguese football, but I can't find it abnormal that a player might go to a league to earn what we can't pay here. It hurts because of his Benfiquismo, because of the way he plays,” concluded Rui Costa, addressing the latest deals of the club.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.