Manchester United are rumored to have renewed interest in Ruben Neves ahead of the January transfer window. The Red Devils have previously shown an interest in the Portuguese midfielder, who will join Al Hilal from Wolves in 2023, but rumors have now resurfaced. Neves, 28, led Wolves to promotion to the Premier League in 2018 and made more than 250 appearances in six years with the Molineux club.
He then moved to the Gulf region, following his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, and became the star player of the Saudi Professional League. Al Hilal reportedly paid £47 million for the midfielder, who is considered one of the highest-paid players in Saudi football. However, his contract expires this summer, meaning he could leave the club in January.
According to the Daily Mail, Al Hilal may be willing to accept around £20m for Neves, but they reportedly have no intention of renewing his contract. This could make him a more viable target compared to other midfielders on United’s wishlist.
Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleva are both top priorities for the Red Devils, but it is unlikely that either will be available for less than £100m in January. If manager Ruben Amorim decides he needs a fresh face in midfield, Neves could fit the bill.
In his debut season, he helped Al Hilal win the Saudi Professional League title as the Riyadh club remained undefeated throughout the season. Last season, they finished second, and at the end of the season manager Jorge Jesus was replaced by former Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi.
They remain unbeaten after nine games under coach Inzaghi, but are four points behind league leaders Al Nasr. Neves has scored four goals, two of which came in the last two games, and one in the King’s Cup quarter-final against Al Fateh.
United’s interest in Neves has emerged as Bruno Fernandes is rumored to be considering another move in the opposite direction.
Al Hilal’s summer bid to sign Old Trafford’s captain failed, but he hinted at a future move in a November interview that surfaced this month.
Former Sporting CP star Fernandes told Canal 11: “I can’t complain. The salary is very good, but obviously the difference is huge.”
“That’s never what guided me. If I have to play in Saudi Arabia one day, I’ll play in Saudi Arabia.
“My lifestyle will change and my children’s lives will become brighter. After six years of cold and rain in Manchester, I will be playing alongside recognized players in a growing league.”
After discussions with manager Amorim, he chose to stay, but revealed that he was “hurt” by the club’s attitude towards the possibility of him leaving.
“Although there were family circumstances, I really liked the club so I decided to stay,” he added.
“I had a discussion with the manager and it was decided that I would stay. But from the club’s side, I felt a little bit like, ‘If you leave, it’s not so bad for us.'” That hurts a lot. ”
