Manchester United are pushing hard to beat Newcastle and Tottenham to the signature of Al-Hilal midfield mainstay Ruben Neves.
Following the appointment of Michael Carrick as their caretaker manager until the end of the season, Manchester United are now looking to add more quality to their squad. They want to ensure he has enough options at his disposal to get the desired results.
According to Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider, the Red Devils are looking to add more quality to their midfield and have their eyes set on Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves. They are very keen on securing his services and are working hard to beat rivals Newcastle and Tottenham.
Neves made quite a name for himself while playing for Wolves. The biggest clubs from England and across Europe were after his signature during the summer of 2023. However, in a surprising turn of events, the Portuguese international ended up joining Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal.
Ruben Neves could leave Al-Hilal
He has been doing wonders for them over the last few seasons. However, his future has become a massive talking point as he has entered the final six months of his deal. While Al-Hilal are reluctant to lose him and are pushing for a renewal, they haven’t been able to convince him.
The ongoing window is their final opportunity to cash in on the 28-year-old; as a result, they could sanction his departure for a fee close to £20 million. Since he has been in fine form for both club and country, and has just entered his prime years, there is no shortage of interest in his services.
While speaking about his future, O’Rourke said, “Yeah, obviously Ruben Neves is a top midfielder. He’s done well out in the Saudi Pro League with Al Hilal.
“They don’t really want to lose him, but he is coming to the end of his contract in June and nothing has been agreed as yet, so that has opened to door for a return to Europe.
“It’s a difficult deal to do, Al Hilal want a decent fee of around £20million for him, and then obviously you’ve got his wages as well.
“He’s on a very good deal over in the Saudi Pro League, so it’s not straightforward.
“We know Man United are in the market for midfield reinforcements, but I don’t think it’s a pirority to move for that midfield position this month.
“Although he would be a good fit for United, he can play in that defensive midfield role, I don’t think the Saudi Pro League club are that open to letting him leave.”
Premier League giants to battle for Neves
Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle United are all keen on bringing him back to the Premier League. United are looking to beat their rivals to his signature and are already working on a potential transfer.
Amidst uncertainty around the future of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, Neves will not only strengthen their midfield in the short run but he could also become one of the cornerstones of their project going forward.
Neves’ agent Jorge Menes, who has strong connections at Old Trafford, has reached out to the club to explore a potential transfer. While United would love to have him on their team, the transfer fee and his massive wages could complicate matters.
Meanwhile, Tottenham and Newcastle United, who have been keeping tabs on his situation, will certainly make life difficult for the Red Devils. Since he remains an integral part of Al-Hilal’s team, there is no certainty that he would be allowed to leave mid-season. As a result, a free transfer next summer could also be a possibility, which will further intensify the battle for his services.
