Ruben Neves has been linked with a return to the Premier League in recent weeks, but he has ruled out a winter move.
Ruben Neves has been linked with clubs like Newcastle United and Arsenal. However, the Portuguese international has now ruled out a potential return to England and revealed that he is happy in Saudi Arabia.
Neves said (h/t Fabrizio Romano), “I don’t go. I’m really happy here, my family’s really happy. I think that’s rumours because of the owner of the clubs of course, and I’ve played in England as well… there was Newcastle interest before I came here.”
Newcastle United and Arsenal need to bring in the midfield reinforcements, and the 26-year-old has emerged as a viable target for them. Newcastle have lost Sandro Tonali after his suspension for involvement in an illegal batting scandal. Arsenal could lose Thomas Partey in the coming weeks, and both teams will have to sign a qualities central midfielder.
Neves has extensive experience of playing in the Premier League, and he could have been a quality short-term acquisition. He could have made an immediate impact at both clubs and improved them in the midfield.
The player joined Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal for a fee of around £47 million during the summer transfer window. There have been rumours that Newcastle could use their Saudi connections to get a deal done. But it seems that the player is not keen on the move. His comments will certainly come as a blow for the two English clubs, and it remains to be seen whether they decide to move on to other targets now.
Neves is at the peak of his powers right now, and he deserves to be playing at the highest level. His decision to move to Saudi Arabia at this stage of his career is certainly baffling, and a return to the Premier League would have been ideal for him. However, the 26-year-old claims that he is really happy, and his family is enjoying their time in Saudi Arabia as well.
Newcastle United will be pushing for Champions League qualification this season, and Arsenal are pushing for the league title. Both teams will have to plug the gaps in their squad in January, and it remains to be seen who they end up signing.
