Rui Costa policy criticised by Gil Neves’s father after Benfica exit | OneFootball

Benfica confirmed on Friday the transfer of 18-year-old midfielder Gil Neves to Cologne, a deal that prompted sharp criticism of Rui Costa’s youth policy from the player’s father, Rui Neves.

The move ends the Luxembourg-born youngster’s two-year spell after joining at 16. He was entering the final year of his contract.

"Football is a lot of strategy and a lot of politics. Benfica’s policy is to 'tie down' youngsters for five years, then decide unilaterally whether to give them an opportunity or not." He said this in an interview with Contacto.

He added that the renewal offer from the board led by Rui Costa was "not interesting", describing the approach as "dangerous" for the futures of academy players.

Neves has opted for Germany, which he believes, given the proximity to Luxembourg and the ease of the language, can help him take steady steps towards success.

The German club paid a fee in the region of 1 million euros, and Benfica retained a significant percentage of any future sale to secure later income.

Source: Glorioso 1904

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