Manchester United are also among the teams linked with Ruben Neves, but the former Wolves midfielder is eyeing a surprise move to Real Madrid
Ruben Neves’ sudden move to Real Madrid is rumored (Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Ruben Neves has been linked with Manchester United recently and has set his sights on a dream move to Real Madrid this month, despite a potential return to the Premier League.
The 28-year-old former Wolves playmaker is currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia after rejoining Al Hilal in the summer of 2023. However, Neves’ contract expires in the summer and it is believed there are suitors ready to take him back to Europe before the end of the 2025-26 season.
Manchester United are also a possibility, with the Red Devils looking for midfield reinforcements. However, it has now emerged that Neves has his sights set on another club amid growing interest from Old Trafford.
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According to Carousel Deportivo via AS, Neves is a target for Real’s staff who feel they need to sign a creative midfielder. Neves is keen on a move despite receiving a lucrative contract offer from Al Hilal, but not everyone is like that.
The report claims that Real Madrid’s board has “doubts” about Neves, adding that the fact that they can sign him on a free transfer in the summer means they are unwilling to pay a large transfer fee to sign Neves, making a deal unlikely.
Neves boasts Premier League experience during his time at Wolves (Image: Getty Images)
Real are not planning to make any significant deals during the current transfer window, so Neves could decide to look at the remainder of his contract and evaluate all options in the summer.
Manchester United may also have a quiet January after parting ways with Ruben Amorim. The team have since replaced him with Michael Carrick, but the former United midfielder’s contract runs until the end of the season, at which point they are expected to bring in Amorim’s permanent successor.
With Carrick effectively acting as caretaker manager at the moment, the club may choose to hold back on important work before the February 2 deadline, but it is also claimed that the leaders are open to strengthening their midfield within that period.
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