Ruben Neves left the Premier League for Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023, but the Portugal international could be ready to return to England in the new year
Manchester United could reportedly revive their interest in Ruben Neves in January. The Red Devils were linked with the Portuguese international before he left Wolves for Al Hilal in 2023, but those links have now resurfaced.
Neves, 28, captained Wolves to promotion to the Premier League in 2018 and made more than 250 appearances in six years with the Molineux club. However, he became one of the Saudi Professional League’s key signings after his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo moved to the Gulf.
Al Hilal reportedly paid £47 million for the midfielder, who is believed to be one of the highest-paid midfielders in Saudi football. However, his contract expires this summer, potentially paving the way for him to leave on a reduced price in January.
According to The Mail, Al Hilal are willing to pay around £20m for Neves and there are no plans to extend his contract. As such, signing him could be a more realistic possibility than other midfield targets United are eyeing.
Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleva are both high on the Red Devils’ list, but neither is likely to be available for less than £100m in January. Neves could tick a number of boxes if Ruben Amorim decides he needs new blood in the center of the park.
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Neves helped Al Hilal win the Saudi Pro League title in his first season, with the Riyadh club going unbeaten throughout the season. However, they only finished second last season, and at the end of the season, coach Jorge Jesus was replaced by former Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi.
They remain undefeated after nine games in Inzaghi’s first season as coach, 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 victory over Al Fateh.
United’s link with Neves comes at a time when Bruno Fernandes has once again been linked with a move in the opposite direction. Al Hilal failed to make a summer move for the Old Trafford captain, but it was revealed this month that an interview in November opened the door for a future move.
“I can’t complain. The salary is very good, but the difference is obviously huge,” former Sporting CP star Fernandes told Canal 11 (via Maisfutebol, translated by Sport Witness). That was never what led me. If I have to play in Saudi Arabia one day, I will 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.”
He decided to stay after discussions with manager Amorim, but said he was “hurt” by the club’s position regarding the possibility of him leaving. “There were family reasons, but 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. ”
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